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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 14 June 1943 to 31 July 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Straits in the Philippine Islands. Undaunted by enemy air coverage and an unusually alert escort screen, Commander Ward pressed home six well planned and executed torpedo attacks to sink eight enemy ships totaling over 58,000 tons and damage an additional ship of 4,000 tons and, despite severe enemy depth charging and aerial bombing, succeeded in bringing his ship safe to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217)

    Action Date:

    August 24 – November 3, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01747 (April 27, 1945)

    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 with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), 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. GUARDFISH (SS-217) during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area from 24 August to 3 November 1943. In addition to successfully landing two reconnaissance patrols in the vicinity of Cape Torokina, Bougainville, preparatory to the landing of Marines in Empress Augusta Bay, Commander Ward directed attacks against enemy shipping, sinking two hostile freighters totaling approximately 13,000 tons, and skillfully maneuvering his vessel during heavy depth-charge attacks by the enemy, returning to port with only minor damage. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Ward is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217)

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1943 – February 18, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0947 (April 25, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. During the SEVENTH War Patrol of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217) from 27 December 1943 to 18 February 1944, in enemy controlled waters, Lieutenant Commander Ward, as Commanding Officer, daringly and aggressively attacked the enemy at every opportunity with the result that his ship sank one tanker and one destroyer, totaling 11,869 tons. His ship encountered severe anti-submarine attacks but suffered minor damage only, because he skillfully and calmly evaded the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Ward’s highly commendatory performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gato (SS-212)

    Action Date:

    January 13 – February 26, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0610 (April 29, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the performance of duties as Executive Officer, Navigator, and Assistant Patrol Officer aboard the U.S.S. GATO (SS-212), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters, from 13 January to 26 February 1943. Commencing an aggressive approach on an escorted target which he alone saw in the dark, Lieutenant Commander Ward skillfully worked out plans for a damaging attack which proved to be of inestimable value in the sinking of 31,700 tons of enemy shipping. His extreme bravery and loyal devotion to the completion of a vital mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217)

    Action Date:

    May 2 – August 2, 1942
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 001138 (September 29, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. During the exceptionally long FIFTH War Patrol of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217) from 2 May to 2 August 1943, Lieutenant Commander Ward, as Commanding Officer, on two separate occasions courageously and skillfully brought his ship close inshore through poorly charted and perilous waters to the reef-encircled coast of an enemy held island and brilliantly effected the rescue of a large number of personnel, including coast watchers and aircraft personnel invaluable to the allied cause. Further, as Commanding Officer of the GUARDFISH, he aggressively and relentlessly attacked the enemy at every opportunity, sinking a loaded enemy freighter of 4,000 tons, and severely damaging another enemy ship of 7,000 tons. His actions were largely responsible for the safety of his vessel and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Ward is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gato (SS-212)

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1941 – October 20, 1942
    Submarine Board Awards: Serial 0106 (July 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer, Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS-194), during war patrols of that submarine in enemy Japanese controlled waters during the period from 10 December 1941 to 20 October 1942. When overwhelming hostile forces destroyed the Cavite Navy Yard on 10 December 1941, and severely damaged his ship during the early phase of the current war, Lieutenant Commander Ward Skillfully and courageously assisted his Commanding Officer in directing fire-fighting activities against the raging flames which threatened to engulf the vessel. For five days, under persistent air attacks, he worked tirelessly to repair damage and get the submarine ready for sea. By his outstanding ability in successfully navigating strange, confined, enemy waters throughout the first five patrols of his ship, he contributed directly to the sinking or damaging of many hostile vessels and to bringing the submarine safe to port. Lieutenant Commander Ward’s brilliant leadership and extreme bravery were an inspiration to both officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    October 1968 – April 1970
    Board Serial 648 (May 14, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Safety) from October 1968 to April 1970. Aware that accident prevention methods must be improved if the steady drain of Navy resources was to be curbed, Rear Admiral Ward initiated, persistently sponsored, and won approval for a long-range program designed to improve the capability to analyze accidents and identify potential hazards. Although continuing to expand, his programs to date have brought accident prevention into the machine age, with modern computer facilities; have produced unique analytical techniques which permit, for the first time, identification of hazards before the fact; and have led to an initial penetration of the most difficult area of human error analysis. With exceptional foresight and with superb managerial skill and command ability, Rear Admiral Ward has led the way into a new era of safety, and has contributed materially to the betterment of the operational posture of the Navy. His dedicated performance has been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1965 – April 1967
    Board Serial 2777 (April 18, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief, Naval Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and as Commander United States Naval Forces, Vietnam, during operations against communist insurgency in the Republic of Vietnam from May 1965 to April 1967. A skilled commander, talented manager and able diplomat, Rear Admiral Ward has guided the development and operations of the Vietnamese Navy under the stress of war. He contributed to the evolution of plans and operations of great significance to international commerce and the defense of the Republic of Vietnam. Rear Admiral War conceived, developed and commanded extensive logistics and construction operations. His coastal surveillance and river patrol forces have largely interdicted the infiltration of enemy supplies from the sea, and have begun to exert pressure on enemy lines of communications over the international waterways of South Vietnam. Rear Admiral Ward’s outstanding contributions to the efforts of the United States, the Free World Military Assistance Forces, and the Republic of Vietnam in the war against communist insurgency reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1967 – May 1968
    Board Serial 0396 (July 21, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1967 to May 1968 as Commander Service Force, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Responsible for all matters relating to supply and logistics in support of the United States Navy in the Republic of Vietnam, Rear Admiral Ward exercised exceptional organizational and managerial abilities to overcome many serious problems and to provide a constant supply of fuel, stores, repair items, and ordnance to operational units in Southeast Asia. In addition, he planned and directed the logistic support of Operation FORMATION STAR in the Sea of Japan during the U.S.S. PUEBLO crisis with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. By his outstanding leadership and professionalism, Rear Admiral Ward materially contributed to the efforts of the United States in Southeast Asia, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    July 1, 1958 – September 15, 1960
    Board Serial 964 (October 28, 1960)

    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 to Captain Norvell Gardiner Ward (NSN: 0-75082), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN during the development, fitting out, training, commissioning, and first operational phases of the first Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Squadron. During the period 1 July 1958 to 15 September 1q960, Captain Ward was responsible for the execution of the difficult task of supervising the development of plans, tactics, doctrines, and operational procedures for the support of the Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapons System. His duties encompassed the establishment of material, operational, and personnel requirements, and liaison with government agencies, contractors, and scientific laboratories in the daily solution of problems associated with the weapons system and nuclear power plant of the Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine. Captain Ward’s sound judgment and outstanding professional skill throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.