The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] William Davis Irvin (NSN: 0-61179/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 18 November 1943 to 4 December 1943, in enemy Japanese- controlled waters off Apamama Island. Charged with an extremely perilous mission, Captain Irvin courageously remained on station after his ship had been severely damaged by hostile shellfire and, with valiant determination, successfully landed a detachment of Marines on Apamama Island, Gilbert Islands. Returning to this island under intensely hazardous conditions, he delivered important supplies to the landing party, bombarded several Japanese positions and evacuated the wounded. His superb performance of duty contributed directly to the success of our forces in this vital area, and his inspiring devotion to duty and gallant fighting spirit reflected the highest credit upon Captain Irvin and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168)Action Date:
September 16 – October 16, 1943
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William Davis Irvin (NSN: 0-61179/1100), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit 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. NAUTILUS (SS-168) in the Gilbert Islands from 16 September to 16 October 1943.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
April 2, 1963 – July 20, 1965
Board Serial 3069 (May 5, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Davis Irvin (NSN: 0-61179/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Service Force, United States Pacific fleet, from 2 April 1963 to 20 July 1965. Exercising dynamic leadership and professional competence, Rear Admiral Irvin initiated an Automatic Data Processing System Capability within the Service which has been of vast assistance in the control and distribution of ammunition throughout the Pacific Fleet. Keenly aware of the need for centralization of shore-support facilities in the Western Pacific, he decisively and successfully pursued plans for the reorganization of Naval supply depots, ship repair facilities, ordnance and ammunition magazine facilities, and certain headquarters support activities under the command of Commander Service Force, United States Pacific Fleet, resulting in a markedly improved readiness posture of the logistic support forces. In addition, he was responsible for the planning for the eventual establishment of Naval Support Activity DaNang which occurred on 15 October 1965, and which contributed greatly toward the success of logistic efforts to provide vital supplies and equipment to U.S. Military Forces and Free-World Military Assistance Forces in South Vietnam. Rear Admiral Irvin’s efforts to enhance the operational readiness of his command culminated in an extensive reorganization of the Service Force, entailing the establishment of Service Squadrons FIVE and SEVEN and reinforcing the administrative organization of Service Groups ONE and THREE. His inspirational leadership, highly intelligent planning, and devotion to the fulfillment of his responsibilities, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.