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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyers and Commander Cruisers, United States Pacific Fleet, from October 1944 to July 1945. He displayed exceptional ability and aggressiveness in handling the organization and administration of the cruisers, destroyers, destroyer escorts and patrol frigates under his command during a period when these ships were playing a most vital part in an unprecedented offensive against a ruthless and fanatic enemy. His sound judgment and experience were of great value in providing for the servicing of these ships in Forward Areas. In addition, he handled the countless detailed problems of his command, including the supervision of training programs, with the greatest efficiency. His professional excellence, energetic initiative, and devotion to duty were strong determining factors in the successful prosecution of the war against the Japanese Empire, and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Division:

    Task Group 36.1

    Action Date:

    July 5 & 6, 1943
    Commander South Pacific Force and Area: Serial 2471 (July 19, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Task Force Commander, Task Group 36.1, in offensive action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. On 5 July 1943, Admiral Ainsworth gallantly led his Task Force into the restricted and submarine infested waters where, in the face of enemy gun and torpedo fire, he directed the bombardment of shore batteries and installations which covered the landings by our troops. Twenty-four hours later, he again led his ships against a Japanese force of approximately ten vessels. The skillful and accurate fire of his Task Force sank or severely damaged all of the enemy units. His outstanding leadership, brilliant tactics, and courageous conduct throughout the engagements contributed immeasurably to the destruction of the enemy forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 1729 (September 19, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the assault and occupation of an enemy-held island objective in World War II. Rear Admiral Ainsworth commanded the fire support group which bombarded the objective prior to, during and subsequent to the assault by our forces. By his personal leadership, his skillful handling of his ship, and his thorough knowledge of amphibious fire support problems he caused his ships to render accurate and devastating naval gunfire support to our assault troops, and contributed in a large degree to the successful capture of the island. His outstanding conduct and services were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ainsworth is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1942 – July 18, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 2667 (August 2, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. During the period from 10 December 1942 until 18 July 1943, Rear Admiral Ainsworth has been in command of Task Forces operating as a part of the South Pacific Force. The forces under his command have conducted many offensive operations in this area; such included repeated bombardment of enemy installations, the interception and defeat of enemy forces operating in the Solomons Area, and culminated by the two successful night engagements in Kula Gulf in the month of July. These operations have all been conducted in the face of determined enemy resistance and the forces under his command have been repeatedly subjected to enemy submarine, surface, and air attack. The success of many operations in the Solomon Islands has been, to a large degree, due to the energetic and courageous leadership of Rear Admiral Ainsworth.