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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Lieutenant Commander William Russell McKinney (NSN: 0-85170), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Underwater Demolition Team THREE during the period 10 to 16 September 1950.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Franklin (CV-13)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0405 (April 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Russell McKinney (NSN: 0-85170), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. After his ship was hit in an enemy air attack, a series of violent explosions from nearby bombs, rockets, and ammunition ensued, which destroyed communications and threatened destruction of the ship itself. With great disregard for his own safety, he organized fire fighting and damage control parties on the exposed flight deck. In the face of raging fires he continued his efforts to save the ship by jettisoning hot ammunition and bombs. He reorganized gun crews and rapidly replaced in commission a number of batteries by which at least one close and dangerous attacking plane was driven off. His courageous conduct was an inspiration to the officers and men about him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1966 – July 22, 1968
    All Hands (November 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain William Russell McKinney (NSN: 0-85170), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 June 1966 to 22 July 1968, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Personnel and Administration to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Captain McKinney made highly significant contributions to the newly-developed concepts of naval warfare, maintaining close surveillance over all aspects of naval construction in Vietnam, the re-supply of thousands of tons of conventional ordnance for fleet and in-country naval forces, and the transportation pipeline incident thereto.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    November 1969 – November 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Russell McKinney (NSN: 0-85170), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director, J-4, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, District of Columbia from November 1969 to November 1971. Rear Admiral McKinney inspired significantly constructive achievement in the international environment which resulted in a greater understanding of the logistic capabilities of the United States Armed Forces and its allies, thereby materially enhancing the effectiveness of the United States National Security programs.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    May – November 1965
    All Hands (March 1967)

    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 Captain William Russell McKinney (NSN: 0-85170), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, while deployed as a unit of the United States SEVENTH Fleet Amphibious Force against the Viet Cong from May to November 1965.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    October 10 – 31, 1950
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1070 (November 17, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Russell McKinney (NSN: 0-85170), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during minesweeping operations at Wonson, Korea, from 10 to 31 October 1950. While serving as Commanding Officer of Underwater Demolition Team THREE which participated in sweeping enemy mine fields in the face of heavy fire from enemy coast defense batteries by his inspiring leadership and professional competence he contributed directly to the successful clearance of mine free channel and anchorage areas off Wonsan.