The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in support of operations against the enemy while serving as assistant to the Officer-in-Charge Project Afirm, Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, during the period from July 1942 to November 1942. By his capable assistance, technical knowledge and professional skill, Commander Aurand contributed largely to the successful development of Night Fighter equipment in time to serve its very useful purpose during the war. His duties were performed with marked enthusiasm, diligence and unselfish devotion to duty. Commander Aurand’s unusual initiative, sound judgment and outstanding performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a Night Fighting Squadron during the attack upon the Japanese air bases at Tinian and Saipan Islands, 22 February 1944. He led a flight of four night fighters upon a dawn attack of the air fields at Tinian and Saipan which was the opening attack by our carrier-based planes. The four night fighters attacked the strong enemy air bases by making four strafing runs upon the estimated 50 to 60 grounded planes. They were finally opposed by twenty enemy fighters which managed to become airborne. During the air battle, the night fighters shot down five enemy fighters. He accounted for one of the enemy planes. By his disregard of personal safety, aggressive and skillful leadership, he inspired his flight to a high degree of achievement and performance of duty, which was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
December 1969 – September 1972
Secretary of the Navy: Serial 00206 (August 23, 1972)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) Force, United States Pacific Fleet from December 1969 to September 1972. In this capacity, vice Admiral Aurand was responsible for the conduct of overall ASW operations and of naval reconnaissance and surveillance in the Pacific Fleet; and was instrumental in improving the ASW capabilities of the Fleet by establishment of a fleet-wide command and control organization capable of quick reaction to any ASW threat in the Pacific. Vice Admiral Aurand’s reorganization of the Pacific Fleet ASW command structure resulted in an increased responsiveness to operational requirements. Due to his comprehensive knowledge of the ocean environment and ASW sensors in use to counter the submarine threat, he was able to initiate innovative and highly effective improvements in operating procedures. By his inspiring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, vice Admiral Aurand contributed significantly to the improved posture of anti-submarine warfare in the Pacific, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy as Pilot of a fighter type airplane in defense of our naval forces during operations in the vicinity of Saipan, 15 June 1944. While leader of a division of night fighters which was sent out to intercept an enemy aerial attack, he intercepted and attacked with determination, courage, and skill an enemy dive bomber which was approaching our forces. His gunfire caused the enemy plane to break up and crash into the sea. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
February 15, 1957 – January 20, 1961
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 Captain Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Naval Aide to the President of the United States from 15 February 1957 to 20 January 1961. Exercising sound judgment, personal diplomacy, and a high degree of professional competence, Captain Aurand has been markedly successful in rendering outstanding staff assistance to the President. This thoroughness, patience, understanding and tact have given him a remarkable capability to work in harmony with associates under all circumstances. As a member of the White House advance detail on the President’s numerous goodwill trips, Captain Aurand has demonstrated unusual ability for handling intricate administrative details and for establishing cordial liaison with foreign diplomatic officials. His unswerving loyalty and integrity, his skillful leadership, and broad knowledge of the Naval Establishment have contributed significantly to the excellent cooperation existing between Navy Department representatives and the Executive Staff. Captain Aurand’s performance of duty throughout this period has reflected 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
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
September 23, 1965 – February 17, 1966
All Hands (May 1967)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Task Group, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, from 23 September 1965 to 17 February 1966.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Scouting Squadron 2 (VS-2)Division:
U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)Action Date:
March 10, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Evan Peter Aurand (NSN: 0-81177), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea, on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Aurand pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, sinking one of them. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.