Issued: 6-Feb-1954, Canada Gazette
"On two occasions when HMCS Athabaskan destroyed enemy trains on the East Coast of Korea on 24th and 30th June, 1953, LCdr Shorten was the principal lookout and control officer. It was his alertness that spotted the trains under difficult conditions and made it possible to open fire effectively within the very short time limit available. As Executive Officer of the ship, he has at all times set an example in keenness and efficiency and coolness under fire, that has been an inspiration to his shipmates and in the highest traditions of the Royal Canadian Navy."