The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Gerald Francis Bogan, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander of a Task Group assigned to duty with the Second Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet, from 30 October 1944 to 25 January 1945. Under his direction his Task Group completed highly successful operations against enemy aircraft, shipping and land installations in the Philippine Islands, Formosa, the Nansei Shoto Islands and the Coast of Indo-China. His ability to organize, direct and inspire the forces under his command to their maximum effort resulted in devastating damage being inflicted upon the enemy. His great professional skill in all phases of aerial warfare, his unfailing courage and inspiring leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Task Force 38.2Action Date:
November 25, 1944
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01203 (February 4, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Gerald Francis Bogan, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Force 38.2, during offensive operations against enemy Japanese aircraft and shipping in the central Luzon area, in Philippine Waters, on 25 November 1944. When the ships under his command were under heavy enemy aerial attack, Rear Admiral Bogan maneuvered them with such skill and judgment that the least favorable target was presented to the enemy. With three of his carriers damaged, including two bomb hits on his own Flagship, he continued to fight his forces so skillfully and vigorously that eight enemy aircraft were shot down by ship’s gun fire and the remaining enemy driven away. The conduct of Rear Admiral Bogan throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Gerald Francis Bogan, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Carrier Air Support Group engaged in operations for the capture of the Japanese-held Southern Mariana Islands during the period 14 June 1944 to 1 August 1944. By his understanding, initiative, and outstanding ability, he conducted well-coordinated bombing and strafing missions, anti-submarine and combat air patrols in support of the amphibious landings in this theater. His escort carriers were well organized and excellently handled; their many aggressive missions contributed materially to the success of the operation. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Bogan is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Gerald Francis Bogan, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT THREE, from 1 July to 2 September 1945. Utilizing the maximum striking power of the forces under his command, Rear Admiral Bogan pressed home devastating attacks on the homeland of Japan in coordination with other task groups, directing destructive strikes against aircraft and supporting industries, installations and transportation facilities and concentrations of naval vessels at Yokosuka, Kure and Kobe. Under repeated aerial attack, delivered by the desperate Japanese, he maintained a high standard of fighting efficiency in all his gallant ships and employed brilliant defensive tactics in repulsing the fanatic enemy. Rear Admiral Bogan’s fearless leadership and his expert tactical control of the carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers in Task Group THIRTY-EIGHT POINT THREE were vital factors in the infliction of extensive damage on the enemy and in the completion of hazardous missions without damage to his own ships. By his outstanding professional skill, great personal courage and steadfast devotion to duty under fire, he contributed to the successful prosecution of the war and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.