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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Edward Coyle Ewen (NSN: 0-57030), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVL-22) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 29 August 1944 to 25 January 1945. Directing the Air Group of his ship in pioneering night flying missions against the enemy, Rear Admiral Ewen was responsible for the development of most of the current doctrine and tactics of night carrier operations and, by his inspiring leadership and resourcefulness, contributed materially to the success of the Navy in the Pacific. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ewen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 15 – 21, 1950
    Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army Korea, General Orders No. 49 (October 27, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Rear Admiral Edward Coyle Ewen (NSN: 0-57030), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Commander, Carrier Division ONE, Joint Task Force SEVEN, United Nations Command. Rear Admiral Ewen distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in action in the Inchon-Seoul operation during the period 15 September to 21 September 1950. His actions contributed materially to the success of this operation and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Military Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Action Date:

    January 1 – July 11, 1944
    Commander Force Area Central Pacific: Serial 4941 (May 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Edward Coyle Ewen (NSN: 0-57030), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of Roi and Namur, Marshall Islands, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in that vicinity from 1 January to 11 July 1944. Exercising tireless energy and tenacity of purpose, despite severe losses from hostile attacks, Rear Admiral Ewen was responsible in large measure for the almost immediate establishment of aircraft facilities at Roi and, in his additional capacity as Commanding Officer of the Roi Naval Air Base, he planned and supervised the construction of a base from which the enemy present in the Marshall Islands could be sought out and destroyed. His keen foresight, administrative ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ewen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 31 – December 5, 1950 & December 7 – 25, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Edward Coyle Ewen (NSN: 0-57030), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN (TF-77), in operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area, from 31 July to 5 December 1950, and from 7 December to 25 December 1950. Directing various task units with great tactical skill and exceptional foresight, Rear Admiral Ewen enabled his pilots to attack shore installations throughout Korea and to furnish invaluable close air support to the ground forces fighting therein, despite serious obstacles presented by sea and weather conditions. His complete knowledge of carrier air operations and his grasp of the military situation made it possible for the Naval air arm to give vital support to Naval surface forces prior to and during the Inch’on invasion from 1 September to 21 September 1950, and again during the Wonson landing. Rear Admiral Ewen’s professional ability and devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of the Naval effort in Korea and reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Division:

    U.S.S. Independence (CVL-22)

    Action Date:

    September & October, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force, Serial 0356 (December 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Edward Coyle Ewen (NSN: 0-57030), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVL-22), in action against the enemy during September and October 1944. Expertly commanding the INDEPENDENCE in the first night carrier operations in the Pacific, Rear Admiral Ewen brought to bear the full fighting strength of his ship and air groups and, through his foresight and tactical ability, directed them in destroying hostile lead attack planes and airborne trackers to break up enemy air attacks before they could develop. His courage and leadership while fighting his ship as an independent unit during long periods of sustained action reflect the highest credit on Rear Admiral Ewen, his gallant officers and men and the United States Naval Service.