The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an attack bomber while attached to and serving as Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based aboard the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces. On 2 January 1952, Commander Gray was leading a strike group of attack bombers and fighter bombers against three heavily-defended key rail bridges along the enemy’s main supply route in the vicinity of Pyolchang-ni, North Korea. As the attacking force reached the target area, they were met with a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he courageously led the strike group in repeated smashing attacks against these enemy gun emplacements, personally knocking out a heavy four gun battery with a direct bomb hit and silencing several automatic weapons positions with his continued accurate bombing. Pressing his advantage to the utmost, he shifted his savage attacks to the rail bridges, dropping the center span of the main objective, and sharing in the severe damage inflicted upon the other bridges. Thirty-two gun positions were knocked out of action, an estimated one hundred troops were killed, and all three of the vital rail bridges were destroyed. His gallant devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Fighter Squadron 54 (VF-54)Division:
U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)Action Date:
October 29, 1951
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1184 (May 19, 1952)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of an Attack Bomber in Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based on board the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 29 October 1951. While leading an element of sixteen bombers in a strike against a strategic hostile military command post at Kapsan, Commander Gray pressed home repeated bombing, strafing and napalm runs in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire and personally destroyed two headquarters buildings. Continuing his daring attacks, he greatly aided his strike group in achieving pin-point accuracy within a defined perimeter which resulted in the complete destruction of the dominant hostile command post and the annihilation of high-ranking enemy military leaders and their advisors. By his outstanding courage, aggressive leaderships and zealous devotion to duty, Commander Gray contributed materially to the success of his squadron in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 May 1967. Acting on intelligence which revealed the location of a major Viet Cong sanctuary along a narrow section of the Bassac River, Captain Gray conducted a comprehensive study of navigational hazards and enemy weapons emplacements. He then planned a major combined operation, which was to include River Patrol Boats, SEAL Teams, armed helicopters, and elements of a Boat Support Unit. Taking command of this small but powerful task force, Captain Gray led them up the Bassac River and into the Viet Cong infested area of operations. Heavy automatic weapons fire was immediately encountered from enemy sampans and shore emplacements, which Captain Gray opposed by coordinating and directing accurate and effective fire. During the ensuing two hour engagement, he personally manned a grenade launcher. Despite the intense fire rained upon them by Captain Gray’s forces, and the loss of three sampans which had been sunk at the outset of the battle, the enemy intensified its fire from well concealed positions. Captain Gray directed 40-mm. grenade fire, silencing one of the bunkers. He then called in armed helicopters and spotted fire which destroyed another enemy weapons emplacement. Coordinating his now superior fire power, Captain Gray quickly suppressed the remaining enemy position. His outstanding professionalism, initiative, and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from March 1967 to March 1968, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the communist insurgents (Viet Cong) in the Republic of Vietnam. As Commander River Patrol Force, Captain Gray was responsible for the prosecution of United States Navy river patrol operations in support of counterinsurgency efforts throughout the waterways and canals of the Mekong Delta and the Rung Sat Special Zone, both of which areas were of vital importance to the economic, political, and military life of South Vietnam, and had long been used by the Viet Cong for sanctuary and concealment. The operations which Captain Gray directed were designated GAME WARDEN, and were designed to interdict the Viet Cong in their attempts to infiltrate men, material, and armaments into the Republic of Vietnam. Commanding three task groups which engaged in operations from ten widely-dispersed bases in hostile areas, Captain Gray deployed the more than 180 units under his command, which included river patrol boats, minesweepers, landing craft, helicopter gunships, and United States Navy SEALs, in a manner which denied the enemy use of the major inland waterways of Vietnam. In addition, he developed many new concepts and tactics which interdicted the enemy’s supply and infiltration attempts along the rivers of Vietnam. Under his guidance and direction, the River Patrol Force became not only a vital component, but also a unifying force that merged with and complimented other free-world counterinsurgency efforts in the Delta area of Vietnam. By his exceptional leadership, his able administration of the diversified activities of units under his command, and his inspiring dedication to duty, Captain Gray upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Fighter Squadron 54 (VF-54)Division:
U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)Action Date:
September 14, 1951
All Hands (October 1953)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an attack bomber while attached to and serving as Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based aboard the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 September 1951.
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Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Paul Nagle Gray (NSN: 0-100272/1310), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against Communist insurgent forces in the Mekong Delta Region of the Republic of Vietnam, on 15 September and 3 October 1967. Captain Gray, serving as Commander River Patrol Force, coordinated the planning and personally spearheaded the execution as Officer-in-Tactical Command of Operations CRIMSON TIDE I and II, conducted against a Viet Cong camp area in the vicinity of Tan Dinh Island, Tra On District, Vinh Long Province. During the operations, designed to wrest control of the area from the insurgent enemy forces, he directed PBRs and units of the Vietnamese River Assault Group in shore bombardment, counter-ambush and assault evolutions. He personally led landing parties ashore in the presence of hazardous booby traps, punji stake pits and enemy sniper fire. By his valuable guidance and participation in the operations, he delivered the Viet Cong a devastating blow that has substantially furthered the counter-insurgency effort in the region. His inspiring leadership, professionalism and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Gray is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)