Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Herbert Fairfax Leary (NSN: 0-5051), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Vice Admiral Leary has rendered outstanding service in the Pacific since the outbreak of the current war. From April to September 1942, he served as Commander Task Forces, Southwest Pacific. Thereafter, he was Commander Task Force ONE and Combatpac until 22 April 1943. During the latter period he organized the first Task Force in the Pacific containing auxiliary carriers, contributed materially to the fitting out of the old battleships and the establishment of the base at Nandi, Fiji. Through his courageous leadership and organizational skill he made a distinctive contribution to the successful operations of the forces under his command.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    November 1943 – September 1945
    Chief of Naval Operations: Serial 84PO3 (October 18, 1945)

    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 to Vice Admiral Herbert Fairfax Leary (NSN: 0-5051), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Eastern Sea Frontier, from November 1943 to September 1945. Loyal, persevering and zealous in the performance of duty, Vice Admiral Leary skillfully effected close coordination of the manifold activities of his command and, by his astute judgment, marked administrative ability and unlimited energy, obtained a singularly high degree of success in its operation. His achievement was a distinctive service to the Navy and a significant contribution to the successful prosecution of the war.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Division:

    Allied Naval Forces, Pacific Area

    Action Date:

    March – September 9142
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 32 (September 9, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Vice Admiral Herbert Fairfax Leary (NSN: 0-5051), United States Navy, for service as Commander, Allied Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, during Operations from March to September 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    World War I

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Herbert Fairfax Leary (NSN: 0-5051), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Force Gunnery Officer on the Staff of the Commander Battleship, Force ONE, and especially for his zeal and devotion to duty in the direction of the training of armed guard crews and general gunnery in twenty-four battleships of the force.