The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Wallace Morris Beakley (NSN: 0-58822/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of an Air Group, attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942. Maintaining station for eight hours over Tulagi Island, Commander Beakley, by his hardy endurance and proficient skill, effectively coordinated the attack and the supporting air flights launched by his group in the Tulagi-Gavutu-Tanambogo Area. Stubbornly holding his station throughout the duration of a determined counterattack by Japanese aircraft, he contributed immeasurably to the successful reduction and capture of those islands. His superb airmanship and tenacious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
September 1961 – August 1963
Board Serial 551 (July 1, 1963)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Wallace Morris Beakley (NSN: 0-58822/1310), 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 September 1961 to August 1963, as Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander in Chief, Atlantic, the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and the Commander in Chief, Western Atlantic. Through his comprehensive grasp of international relations and his keen understanding of strategic concepts, Vice Admiral Beakley rendered invaluable assistance to the Commander in Chief, Atlantic, during the continuing crises of this period. As Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet during the Dominican crisis of 1961, the Cuban crises of 1962, and the Haitian crisis of 1963, he assured the readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet to support United States aims and strategies. He performed a monumental task in successfully preparing and deploying the Atlantic Fleet during the Cuban crises with a minimum reduction of U.S. naval posture in other important areas of the Atlantic Command. Calling upon his extensive background of experience as a fleet commander and as a member of the Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Vice Admiral Beakley, as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander in Chief, Atlantic, lent sound advice and assistance in directing the efforts of Army and Air Force units in support of CINCLANT’s contingency plans. His dedicated and inspired devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and 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 to Captain Wallace Morris Beakley (NSN: 0-58822/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet during the period from November 1942 to November 1943. His superior professional ability and devotion to duty in the planning of movements of Carrier Air Groups and Squadrons during this period, and in particular his sound judgment and painstaking efforts in the detailed planning of the attacks on Marcus and Tarawa Islands, constituted a direct and valuable contribution to the success of Air Force, Pacific Fleet units in their operations against the enemy. His conduct and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.