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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain Daniel Michael McGurl (NSN: 0-34759), 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. BILOXI (CL-80) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Northern and Central Pacific War Areas from 15 January to 20 October 1944. Maintaining his ship in a high state of combat readiness at all times, Captain McGurl contributed materially to the success of numerous actions against the enemy. His courageous leadership was an inspiration to his officers and men, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain McGurl is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    October 13, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 01055 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Daniel Michael McGurl (NSN: 0-34759), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of the Supporting Units of Cruisers of a Fast Carrier Task Group, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the forward Pacific Area, 13 October 1944. Disposing the cruisers of the screen, Captain McGurl repelled a group of enemy torpedo planes executing a fast and cleverly concealed attack at dusk upon our carriers in the process of recovering aircraft. Carefully controlling the accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from the cruisers, he directed an effective barrage which resulted in the destruction of each of the attacking planes and prevented damage to our vessels. His skilled tactics, coolness under fire and devotion to duty, reflect the highest credit upon Captain McGurl and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Alcyone (AKA-7)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander North West African Waters: Serial 2456 (October 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Daniel Michael McGurl (NSN: 0-34759), 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. ALCYONE (AKA-7), during the amphibious invasion of the Island of Sicily. Valiantly fighting his ship during severe enemy bombings, Captain McGurl successfully landed troops and equipment and brought the ALCYONE through this engagement unscathed. By his expert seamanship, find tactical skill and heroic devotion to duty, he contributed materially to our success in this vital operation.