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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 Navy Cross to Commander Duncan Calvin MacMillan (NSN: 0-60439), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), on the THIRTEENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 14 June 1944 to 27 July 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Strait, in the Philippine Islands. Penetrating unusually alert enemy escort screens, Captain MacMillan pressed home three well-planned and executed torpedo attacks to destroy a six-ship convoy of over 35,000 tons within three hours and, despite severe enemy countermeasures, succeeded in escaping without damage to his ship. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Captain MacMillan and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Thresher (SS-200)

    Action Date:

    March 18 – May 8, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03773 (August 6, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Duncan Calvin MacMillan (NSN: 0-60439), 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. THRESHER (SS-200), during the TWELFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in waters, the control of which is now being contested. During the period 18 Mary to 8 May 1944, the THRESHER was engaged in photographic reconnaissance and lifeguard services in the Central Caroline Islands Area. Although forced to dive on numerous occasions to avoid aerial depth bombing, he maintained his vessel in proximity to the atolls as depth would allow which resulted in accomplishment of his mission in a most efficient manner. By his exceptional skill and determination, valuable photographic results were obtained from the reconnaissance. In addition, he successfully carried out a bombardment of the enemy-held Oroluk Atoll. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander MacMillan is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Thresher (SS-200)

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1943 – February 18, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01489 (April 18, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Duncan Calvin MacMillan (NSN: 0-60439), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), on the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 December 1943 through 18 February 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Commander MacMillan contacted an escorted enemy convoy of four freighters. With marked aggressiveness he attacked this convoy with a series of two torpedo attacks successfully sinking two freighters. Again he contacted another enemy convoy of three ships. Courageously attacking, he delivered torpedo attacks, successfully sinking one tanker and a freighter. Pursuing the remaining tanker, he skillfully attacked, severely damaging this tanker. By his intelligent analysis of enemy convoys and aggressive determination, he successfully sank over 26,000 tons and damaged over 9,000 tons of enemy shipping. His well-planned and executed attack upon an enemy trawler resulted in its sinking. Despite enemy counterattacks, which on one occasion included gunfire, he successfully evaded serious damage to bring his ship to port undamaged. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.