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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Douglas Crevier McNair (ASN: 0-17217), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Chief of Staff of the 77th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Guam on 6 August 1944. While making a reconnaissance for a new division command post, accompanied by an officer and an enlisted man, Colonel McNair encountered three Japanese soldiers in a native hut about three hundred yards from the main road. Cautiously approaching the entrance to the hut. Colonel McNair fired several times and directed the movements and fire of his companion. The Japanese in the hut returned the fire and during the exchange Colonel McNair was struck and killed. Colonel McNair’s gallantry, courage and aggressive and unhesitating leadership was an inspiration to his companions and to the entire Division.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    77th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Douglas Crevier McNair (ASN: 0-17217), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, 77th Infantry Division, from 8 June 1943 to 6 August 1944. Joining the organization at a time when many changes in command and staff personnel had just been completed, Colonel McNair, with tireless enthusiasm, tact, and leadership, worked continuously to make the unit a well-coordinated and smooth working team. His untiring zeal and extraordinary ability, his constant supervision of the many details preparatory to a landing were of incalculable value to the division in the operation on Guam and contributed in an extraordinary degree to the success of that operation and to the war effort in the Pacific Ocean Area.