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Gale
Emerson
Griggs
November 6, 1904

–

November 4, 1973

Gale Griggs graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Radford (DD-446)

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 00233 (January 17, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Gale Emerson Griggs (NSN: 0-60195), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RADFORD (DD-446) during action against an enemy Japanese submarine in Pacific Waters, 25 November 1943. While cruising at night on screening station in company with heavy ships, Captain Griggs promptly initiated a sound search for a hostile submarine which had submerged to evade action. Effectively regaining contact, he pursued the enemy relentlessly and launched three vigorous depth-charge attacks which culminated in the probable destruction of the enemy vessel as evidenced by a violent underwater explosion and the appearance of debris and a heavy oil slick. His aggressive persistence and efficient coordination with other ships of the search and attack group were contributing factors in the success of a hazardous mission.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Task Force Commander

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1941 – June 14, 1942
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 652 (February 26, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Gale E. Griggs (NSN: 0-60195), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander, during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the Central Pacific covering a period from 6 December 1941 to 14 June 1942. While under constant threat of attack by air and submarine, the Task Force to which Commander Griggs was attached repeatedly steamed for protracted periods in enemy waters and in close proximity to enemy territory and bases. Largely due to his skill and determination under fire, only minor damage was suffered from attacking heavy bombers in the Marshall Islands engagement. In addition, he contributed materially to the marked success of the other actions, through which the Task Force came unscathed after inflicting extremely heavy damage on Japanese installations and shipping. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Radford (DD-446)

    Action Date:

    April – September 1944

    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 Gale Emerson Griggs (NSN: 0-60195), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RADFORD (DD-446), attached to Destroyer Division FORTY-TWO, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from April to September 1944. A superb leader and brilliant tactician, Captain Griggs fought his ship gallantly throughout four major amphibious operations, a night Naval action and a successful engagement with a hostile submarine, providing effective escort for assaulting vessels and bringing the RADFORD through each intensive action without damage. By his expert ship-handling, unwavering perseverance and zealous devotion to duty maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Captain Griggs contributed materially to the infliction of extensive and costly damage on the enemy and to the success of our forces in extending United States control over more than 1,200 miles westward in the sustained drive against the Japanese in the Pacific theater of war.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Manchester (CL-83)

    Action Date:

    February 27 – June 26, 1953
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1386 (June 28, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Gale Emerson Griggs (NSN: 0-60195), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MANCHESTER (CL-83) and as Commander of numerous Task Elements during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 27 February to 26 June 1953. Throughout this period, Captain Griggs effectively directed the Task Units under his command on repeated gun strikes against enemy forces and installations along the East Coast of Korea and conducted fire missions in support of friendly forces on the eastern terminus of the front lines. A capable and resourceful officer, he rendered invaluable assistance to the Support Group Commander by establishing and maintaining close liaison with the Division and Corps Commanders of front-line troops, which resulted in the formulation of sound plans for the improvement of gunfire support. Ably maneuvering the forces under his command through restricted waters while subjected to enemy fire, he skillfully controlled and directed their fire against enemy fortified positions, inflicting widespread damage and destruction on installations, seriously interfering with the delivery of enemy shipments of essential supplies and prohibiting the enemy from executing successful attacks against friendly front-line positions. His expert seamanship, inspiring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Griggs and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Griggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)