The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander George Kennedy Carmichael (NSN: 0-62674), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CAPERTON (DD-650), assigned as a Screening Vessel to a Task Group protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged ships, under tow, from enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By outstanding seamanship, his ship performed missions of rescue, transferred personnel under adverse conditions of wind and sea and under enemy air attack. The excellent performance of his ship when in the screen contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the salvage mission. His courage, leadership and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander George Kennedy Carmichael (NSN: 0-62674), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CAPERTON (DD-650), during the important operations at Okinawa Gunto, Nansei Shoto, Japan, from 1 June to 26 June 1945. Commander Carmichael, during the period his ship served on exposed and dangerous duty as radar picket, fought his ship with a high degree of skill and personal courage during several enemy suicide plane attacks which resulted in his batteries shooting down two enemy planes and assisting in destroying at least two others. His ship’s outstanding performance contributed materially to the successful occupation of this important island by our ground forces. The courageous conduct and skill of Commander Carmichael was an inspiration to those under him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.