The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Ray Maurer Pitts (NSN: 0-71458), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DOUGLAS H. FOX (DD-779), in action against the enemy from 5 through 28 May 1945, off Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands. With his vessel engaged in hazardous duty on a radar picket station in support of amphibious operations, Commander Pitts courageously fought his ship under constant threat of attack and on one occasion, during an aggressive and determined enemy suicide attack, directed his crew in destroying five Japanese aircraft. When the DOUGLAS H. FOX was damaged by a suicide plane, he skillfully initiated damage control and fir-fighting measures and thereby contributed materially to saving his vessel from destruction. By his able leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty, commander Pitts upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Ray Maurer Pitts (NSN: 0-71458), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Fleet Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander SEVENTH Fleet during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 13 July 1952 to 14 March 1953. A capable and resourceful leader, Captain Pitts was highly successful in directing the over-all employment of the widely-scattered and diversified air and sea units of the SEVENTH Fleet and rendered invaluable assistance to the Fleet Commander in the development of new operational procedures within the concept of pre-briefed aerial strikes which inflicted widespread destruction among enemy supply and troop positions on the main line of resistance. The effective manner in which Fleet units were employed and the high degree of combat readiness attained were in a large part due to his outstanding administrative ability and his thorough knowledge of the operational and tactical requirements involved. By his inspiring leadership, sound judgment and untiring devotion to the fulfillment of a vital task, Captain Pitts contributed directly to the success of the SEVENTH Fleet and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Pitts is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)