The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Edward Ferrall, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS-194), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 December 1941 to 13 February 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Commander Ferrall delivered two brilliantly executed attacks, destroying two large Japanese cargo ships. Later, he skillfully maneuvered his ship to strike at enemy supply vessels, sinking three ships totaling 17,000 tons. His superb seamanship and the gallant devotion to duty of his command enabled the submarine to complete her hazardous missions and to come through without damage or casualties. His exemplary conduct throughout and his inspiring leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
July 21, 1964 – September 30, 1967
All Hands (February 1968)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral William Edward Ferrall, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 21 July 1964 through 30 September 1967, as Commandant THIRTEENTH Naval District and Commander Northern Sector, Western Sea Frontier.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Seadragon (SS-194)Action Date:
November 23, 1942 – January 7, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Edward Ferrall, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS-194), during the aggressive and successful FIFTH War Patrol in enemy waters during the period from 23 November 1942 to 7 January 1943. Taking advantage of every favorable attack opportunity, Lieutenant Commander Ferrall, by his courageous and proficient skill, succeeded in sinking one Japanese submarine of 1,400 tons and one freighter of 6,000 tons, and severely damaging another freighter of 4,800 tons. He brought his ship through without material impairment and his crew home without injury or loss of life. 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.
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Legion of Merit
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William Edward Ferrall, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Force Material Officer, Commander Submarines Pacific, from March 1944 to May 1945, and Commander Submarine Division 162 from May 1945 to September 1945.