Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Walter Charles Ansel (NSN: 0-34566), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander of an Amphibious Task Force during the invasion of the Island of Sicily. Captain Ansel was charged with the preparation and coordination of plans for all the Task Groups comprising a major assault force. By his fine grasp of the strategic and tactical situation, his sound judgment and meticulous attention to detail, the plans for all units and forces available resulted in a highly successful amphibious assault which greatly contributed to the success of the invasion. The sound judgment, professional skill, and outstanding devotion to duty by Captain Ansel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Ansel is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Philadelphia (CL-41)

    Action Date:

    August 1944

    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 Walter Charles Ansel (NSN: 0-34566), 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. PHILADELPHIA (CL-41), during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Demonstrating extraordinary skill and energy, Captain Ansel brought his ship to the highest standards of training and combat readiness for the assault operations. As a unit of the fire support group in action against enemy coastal defenses, he approached the hostile shore through mine infested waters and in the face of heavy return fire carried out accurate and devastating gunfire against enemy installations. His determined and effective conduct of shore bombardment missions contributed materially to the initial establishment of the beachhead and rapid advance of the assault forces into enemy occupied territory. The exceptional ability, cool and deliberate action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ansel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.