Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Minter Dial (NSN: 0-27906), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death while still in captivity.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Napa (AT-32)

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1941 – March 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Nathaniel Minter Dial (NSN: 0-27906), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Fleet Tug U.S.S. NAPA (AT-32), in combat with the enemy during the period 7 December 1941 to 18 March 1942. While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Lieutenant Commander Dial directed the anti-aircraft batteries of his ship and conducted operations of strategic importance involving hazardous missions such as to bring great credit to his command and the United States Naval Service.