The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, during an offensive engagement with two destroyers on the night of 22 – 23 December 1941. When two enemy vessels, performing screening or patrol duty, maneuvered to attack at high speed, the SALMON closed in, sinking one enemy destroyer by torpedo fire at a range of not more than three-quarters of a mile, a second hit being heard later while she was diving below the surface. Evading counter measures, Lieutenant Commander McKinney continued on his assigned mission, conducting additional attacks against enemy vessels. His courage and skill displayed on this occasion and his alert, decisive action reflect great credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.

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 Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in the South China Sea on 25 and 28 May 1942. Upon sighting an enemy Japanese formation consisting of a light cruiser screened by two destroyers, Lieutenant Commander McKinney maneuvered to favorable firing position and in spite of anti-submarine measures launched a torpedo attack, scoring hits with each of the four torpedoes fired, destroying the enemy cruiser and subsequently evading the vigorous depth charge attack by the enemy destroyers without damage to his ship. Again while on the same patrol on the night of 28 May 1942, the SALMON closed a 7,000-ton enemy Japanese merchantman unobserved, obtaining two torpedo hits and sinking the vessel. The aggressive, courageous spirit displayed by Lieutenant Commander McKinney and his command on these occasions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Commander Eugene Bradley McKinney (NSN: 0-61234), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during and subsequent to the attack on the Japanese-held Island of Wake, by United States forces. During the period 6 to 12 October 1943, this submarine rescued five naval aviators, and one enlisted man who were forced down in aircraft in the vicinity of the island. During these rescue operations his ship was subjected to shell fire from the shore batteries and to repeated bombing and strafing attacks by enemy aircraft. The courage, skill and determination displayed by Commander McKinney was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.