Battle of Tassafaronga
Tisdale's career including surface command (), , various staff positions, and Commander, Destroyers, Pacific Fleet (ComDesPac) during World War II. He was also Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy at the start of World War II. After his superior's ship was put out of action during the Battle of Tassafaronga he assumed command of the task force, continuing the battle from the . For his actions, Tisdale was awarded a star to his existing Navy Cross.