The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States Commanding the cruisers of a fast carrier task group during operations against the Gilbert Islands in World War II. Admiral Small provided decisive support for our amphibious landings at Tarawa and Abemama. Handicapped by limited forces and with but little air support in our assault on the Marshall Islands, he succeeded in neutralizing important Japanese bases at Wotje and Maleolap. He worked tirelessly during the powerful carrier strike against Palau, Yap and Woleai on 29 – 30 March 1944 and 1 April 1944.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Salt Lake City (CA-25)Action Date:
October 11 – 12, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Due to his aggressiveness and determined action, and through his skill and devotion to duty, a superior Japanese force heading for Guadalcanal was destroyed or turned back. In one phase of this engagement his excellent seamanship was a deciding factor in protecting the heavily hit U.S.S. BOISE from further damage. The success of this action prevented a planned Japanese attack on our positions at Guadalcanal and prevented the enemy from landing reinforcements on that island. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval service.
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Legion of Merit
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Task Force in the Pacific Area from 27 May 1944 to 8 August 1944.