The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Louis Darby McGregor, Jr. (NSN: 0-63435), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. REDFISH (SS-395), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 October 1944 to 2 January 1945, in enemy controlled waters. After sinking two enemy freighters and two sampans by gun and torpedo attacks during the early part of this patrol, Captain McGregor boldly defied strong air and surface opposition to penetrate heavy escorts screening valuable and important enemy combatant units. Launching a series of smashing torpedo attacks, he succeeded in damaging a 28,000-ton carrier of the HAYATAKA class, and in sinking a new Japanese aircraft carrier of the UNRYU class of approximately 25,000 to 28,000 tons. Forced down by furious gunfire and depth-charge counterattacks, following the sinking of the carrier, Captain McGregor ordered all running machinery stopped in order to escape possible destruction and, despite serious damage to the REDFISH by heavy depth charging, employed effective evasive tactics and cleared the area. By his inspiring leadership and gallant performance of duty, he aided materially in preventing a serious attack on Mindoro, and his courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] Louis Darby McGregor, Jr. (NSN: 0-63435), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. REDFISH (SS-395), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 July 1944 to 20 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Penetrating heavy and alert escort screens, which included air support, Captain McGregor pressed home brilliantly planned and well-executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of five enemy ships totaling 33,500 tons and in the damaging of three additional enemy ships totaling 24,500 tons. By his effective ship-handling in the face of heavy anti-submarine and depth charging efforts by the enemy, he made evasive tactics and escaped, thereby preventing severe damage to his ship. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.