Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
George
Herrick
Wales
1908-12-31

–

1997-11-05

Home:

New London

, 

Connecticut

George Wales graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1929. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pogy (SS-266)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 39 (August 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander George Herrick Wales (NSN: 0-62528/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POGY (SS-266) during a War Patrol of that Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces during World War II. Operating in dangerous, enemy-controlled waters, Commander Wales directed the performance and torpedo fire of his vessel with splendid initiative and outstanding professional ability, thus enabling his command to sink numerous hostile ships, including one small destroyer. By skillful maneuvering and expert evasive tactics, he brought his submarine into port without damage despite enemy countermeasures. Commander Wales’ aggressive leadership and exemplary conduct throughout these vital missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1963 – June 1964
    All Hands (October 1964)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral George Herrick Wales (NSN: 0-62528/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Pan American Affairs, Naval Missions and Advisory Groups Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, from June 1963 to June 1964. Exercising a high degree of diplomatic skill and resourcefulness, and utilizing his broad knowledge of the Latin American people and their problems, Rear Admiral Wales has significantly furthered the objectives of the United States by his outstanding performance as Navy Delegate, Inter-American Defense Board, and as Navy Member, Joint Brazil-United States Defense Commission, Joint Mexican-United States Defense Commission, and the Permanent Joint Board on Defense, Canada-United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pogy (SS-266)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914 (March 5, 1945)

    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 Herrick Wales (NSN: 0-62528/1100), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POGY (SS-266) during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters during World War II. Commander Wales launched skillful attacks accounting for more than 15,000 tons of enemy shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.