The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), 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. SKATE (SS-305), during the Second War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. On 30 November 1943, Captain McKinney fearlessly penetrated the formidable air and surface screens of a large Japanese task force and skillfully launched a stern attack to damage severely a 20,000 ton Japanese aircraft carrier. Vigilant and aggressive during subsequent brilliantly executed assaults, he succeeded in sinking a medium freighter and in crippling a valuable enemy heavy cruiser or battleship of 20,000 tons and, consistently evading the enemy’s relentless depth chargings, returned his gallant ship safe to port. Captain McKinney’s inspiring conduct and the courageous performance of duty of his officers and men throughout this heroic patrol were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain McKinney is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Salmon (SS-182)Action Date:
December 22 – 23, 1941
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, during an offensive engagement with two destroyers on the night of 22 – 23 December 1941. When two enemy vessels, performing screening or patrol duty, maneuvered to attack at high speed, the SALMON closed in, sinking one enemy destroyer by torpedo fire at a range of not more than three-quarters of a mile, a second hit being heard later while she was diving below the surface. Evading counter measures, Lieutenant Commander McKinney continued on his assigned mission, conducting additional attacks against enemy vessels. His courage and skill displayed on this occasion and his alert, decisive action reflect great credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Salmon (SS-182)Action Date:
May 25 & 28, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in the South China Sea on 25 and 28 May 1942. Upon sighting an enemy Japanese formation consisting of a light cruiser screened by two destroyers, Lieutenant Commander McKinney maneuvered to favorable firing position and in spite of anti-submarine measures launched a torpedo attack, scoring hits with each of the four torpedoes fired, destroying the enemy cruiser and subsequently evading the vigorous depth charge attack by the enemy destroyers without damage to his ship. Again while on the same patrol on the night of 28 May 1942, the SALMON closed a 7,000-ton enemy Japanese merchantman unobserved, obtaining two torpedo hits and sinking the vessel. The aggressive, courageous spirit displayed by Lieutenant Commander McKinney and his command on these occasions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
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 to Rear Admiral Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service Pacific Area from January 1960 to June 1962. Rear Admiral McKinney established an outstanding record as a planner and coordinator for the movement of 200,000 measurement tons of cargo per month. During a period of recurring, major, maritime strikes, his effective pre-planning and coordination with industry and labor effected the use of ships for military cargoes, so that there was no disruption in the flow of essential supplies to our forces in the Pacific area. His sound judgment, broad experience, keen foresight, and thorough understanding of the needs of the Military Sea Transportation Service have resulted in the maintenance of a high state of readiness of government-owned ships, an outstanding safety record, and a constantly improving utilization of facilities. His conduct, leadership, expert application of professional skill, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Salmon (SS-182)Action Date:
1943
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 0458 (April 16, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), during an aggressive and successful war patrol in enemy waters during World War II. Taking advantage of every favorable attack opportunity, Lieutenant Commander McKinney, by his courageous and proficient skill, succeeded in damaging two freighters and one tanker totaling 18,000 tons, and sinking one tanker of 6,000 tons and one sampan of 100 tons. Despite vigorous counter measures on the part of the enemy, he brought his ship through without material impairment and his crew home without injury or loss of life. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Skate (SS-305)Action Date:
October 6 – 12, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during and subsequent to the attack on the Japanese-held Island of Wake, by United States forces. During the period 6 to 12 October 1943, this submarine rescued five naval aviators, and one enlisted man who were forced down in aircraft in the vicinity of the island. During these rescue operations his ship was subjected to shell fire from the shore batteries and to repeated bombing and strafing attacks by enemy aircraft. The courage, skill and determination displayed by Commander McKinney was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.