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Noel
Arthur Meredyth
Gayler
December 25, 1913

–

July 14, 2011

After attending the West Point Preparatory School, Noel Gayler entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating with the class of 1935. When Lieutenant Gayler’s Second Gold Star was presented for his heroism in this action, all three awards earned from February to May 1942, he became the first person in history to receive THREE Navy Crosses, a distinction he gained simultaneously with fellow pilot Lieutenant Clarence E. Dickinson, Jr. He served as the sixth Director of the National Security Agency from 1969 to 1972, and ninth Commander of Pacific Command from 1972 to 1976. Noel Gayler retired as a U.S. Navy Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 1972 – August 1976

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief Pacific from September 1972 through August 1976. During his tenure, Admiral Gayler made very significant and lasting contributions to the security of the nation. He exemplified the highest virtues of the Joint Commander, inspiring all echelons of his Pacific forces to well-coordinated and combined efforts which resulted in closer service relationships and increased operational effectiveness throughout the Pacific. His military expertise, broad-gauged knowledge of the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas, pragmatism, and great historical sense were vital forces in the formulation of plans and policies to accommodate theater-wide contingencies and to enhance the possibilities for continued peace and stability throughout the region. By his distinctive accomplishments, superb judgment, and great tenacity of purpose, Admiral Gayler has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 305 (August 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-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 Gayler intercepted and shot down an enemy seaplane fighter. He then pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing and strafing attack on two enemy destroyers, causing many personnel casualties. 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 1967 – July 1969

    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 Vice Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director, Strategic Target Planning, from September 1967 to July 1969. In this important assignment Vice Admiral Gayler was highly effective in giving direction to policies established by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director, Strategic Target Planning governing the development and maintenance of the JCS Single Integrated Operational Plans (SIOP) and the Coordinated Reconnaissance Plan (CRP). Bringing to bear an extraordinary degree of military professionalism and intellectual force, he was responsible for significant improvements in intelligence evaluating procedures, the application of science and technology to the planning process, operational concepts reflected in the plan and the capability of the staff to perform plan analyses on a more timely basis. Through his exceptional performance of duty, characterized by initiative, ingenuity, and dynamic leadership, Vice Admiral Gayler made major material contributions significantly improving the status of strategic nuclear planning and maximizing the deterrent posture of the United States forces committed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Single Integrated Operational Plan. By his selfless devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Gayler rendered valuable and distinguished service and contributed greatly to the security of the United States and the Free World, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself, the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 1963 – September 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from September 1963 to September 1967 as Director, Development Programs Division and Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Development). Exercising keen leadership and sound judgment, Rear Admiral Gayler applied his vast experience in all aspects of Naval warfare and his sound technical ability to shaping and directing the Navy’s research and development effort. He not only contributed greatly to the readiness of Naval forces to meet the changing demands of the war in Southeast Asia, but also assured the continuing readiness of the Navy to meet with other contingencies elsewhere. By incisive analysis, and with professional open-mindedness, he has guided the Navy toward the most promising direction for productive improvement, especially in the areas of electromagnetic security and tactical aircraft systems. Due to his personal initiative, a spirit of cooperation between the Navy and other Services and agencies of the Department of Defense has been fostered and has resulted in important technological advances which would not otherwise have been possible. In addition to his normal duties, Rear Admiral Gayler has performed exceptionally well as Acting Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Development) on many occasions. His outstanding leadership, superb judgment and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    May 7 & 8, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 2050 (May 8, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. Due to his skill and aggressiveness, his zeal and courage as an airman, and his utter disregard for his own life, Lieutenant Gayler succeeded in destroying two enemy Japanese aircraft and in damaging two others. His courageous action contributed materially to the defense of our forces. Lieutenant Gayler’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

    Action Date:

    February 20, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF3), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Gayler intercepted a formation of nine enemy aircraft and succeeded in shooting down one twin-engine bomber and a seaplane fighter, and aided in the destruction of two other twin-engine bombers, and bombed and strafed two enemy destroyers. Lieutenant Gayler’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Gayler reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1969 – July 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (NSN: 0-74858), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Director of the National Security Agency from August 1969 to July 1972. In this capacity, Vice Admiral Gayler was responsible for improvements in operational efficiency and advanced in technology within the National Security Agency. He provided support to the Military Departments and the Operating Forces which was vital to the performance of their duties and in maintaining the safety of their forces. Vice Admiral Gayler brought the need for better Communications Security to the attention of all concerned and was the principle architect in building an intelligence organization with extraordinary potential. Under his guidance all of the Signal Intelligence resources in the Department of Defense were brought into an integrated system which is the basis for the new Central Security Service. By his superb professional competence, inspiring dedication, and splendid achievements in the field of National Security, Vice Admiral Gayler reflected great credit upon himself and his organization, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.