Navy Federal Credit Union

Wilbur Cheney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pruitt (DM-22)

    Action Date:

    October & November 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Wilbur Haines Cheney, Jr. (NSN: 0-4168)), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Division Mining Officer and also as Navigator of the U.S.S. PRUITT (DM-22), Flagship of Captain John F. Crowe, Jr., U.S. Navy, Commanding a Task Group of light mine layers engaged in the passages around Adak, Aleutian Islands in October and November 1942. He rendered extremely valuable assistance to the Task Group Commander in the preparation of the mines and in the navigation of the Task Group thereby contributing materially to the planting of highly efficient mine fields. As a result of his expert navigation in narrow, dangerous and poorly charted waters, in the face of extremely stormy weather, the Task Group most expeditiously and most accurately conducted the mine laying operations, resulting in complete blocking of the several bays and passages around Adak, thereby contributing greatly to the security of the U.S. Army forces occupying Adak in close proximity to the Japanese garrison at Kiska. His advice to the Task Group Commander pertaining to the final preparation of the mines and his advice relative to navigational matters in conducting the several approaches to the mining areas showed superb skill and were far beyond that normally to be expected.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    United States Destroyer Minelayer

    Action Date:

    May 27 – 28, 1945

    Commander Mine Craft Pacific Fleet: Serial 01466 (May 21, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Wilbur Haines Cheney, Jr. (NSN: 0-4168)), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of a United States Destroyer Minelayer during the Okinawa Campaign. While patrolling a radar picket station on the night of 27 – 28 May 1945, his ship was attacked by an estimated thirty enemy aircraft using bombs, torpedoes, and suicide tactics. His skillful ship-handling, excellent gunnery, and leadership resulted in the destruction of three enemy aircraft and in the probable destruction of three others. Despite overwhelming odds, he averted the attacks without personnel or material casualty to his ship or to any of the ships on his station. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.