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 Rear Admiral John William Ailes, III (NSN: 0-63188), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Service Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet during the period 27 July 1963 to 30 June 1965. An extremely competent, resourceful and forceful leader, he was the dynamic driving force behind major improvements in mobile logistic support of the Atlantic Fleet. Assuming command of the Service Force on 27 July 1963, he developed and implemented an operational concept for the Service Force, as an operating force of the Fleet which increased the flexibility and extent of mobile logistic support available to the Fleet from the limited and aging resources of his command. With relentless zeal he pursued the development of improved ships, new equipment and techniques, and the implementation of helicopter replenishment of combat forces. His enthusiasm and inspiring leadership imparted to these programs the momentum which will carry them forward to achievement of significant increases in freedom of action and maneuver of combatant forces. With keen insight and deep understanding of the Navy’s logistic concepts and procedures he sponsored and supervised the implementation of improvements which have contributed to economy and which will significantly enhance the management and budgeting of fleet logistics in the future, thereby increasing combat readiness. He was mindful of the need to improve the living and working conditions of the men assigned to his command, and through personal supervision and guidance achieved a marked increase in the habitability of the old and obsolescent ships assigned to his force, thereby raising morale and increasing the readiness of the Fleet. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, energy, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Rear Admiral Ailes upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793)Action Date:
April 12, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John William Ailes, III (NSN: 0-63188), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793), during the air-surface action in the vicinity of Okinawa Jima, on 12 April 1945. While on radar picket station, Commander Ailes skillfully and courageously handled his ship during an attack made by five enemy planes, destroying all enemy planes, and keeping damage to his own ship to a minimum. His ship was able to proceed to a friendly base, under its own power, after the action. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793)Action Date:
July 29, 1945
Combat Squadron 1, Serial 1146 (September 3, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] John William Ailes, III (NSN: 0-63188), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on the night of 29 July 1945. Joining other destroyers of a radar picket patrol in fighting off an overwhelming enemy suicide air attack, Captain Ailes assumed command of the picket unit when the Flagship began to sink and, directing the operations of his own and another destroyer in the face of additional suicide plane attacks, successfully protected the sinking CALAGHAN from further damage while his ship’s gunfire destroyed two hostile planes. At the same time, he directed the rescue of survivors and contributed materially to the saving of numerous lives. His courageous leadership, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain John William Ailes, III (NSN: 0-63188), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Task Group 77.1, while conducting operations against the enemy in support of United States and United Nations Armed Forces in the Korean theater from 6 June 1952 to 1 October 1952. Captain Ailes, because of his past experience in and thorough knowledge of naval warfare, was of exceptional value to the Task Group Commander in the planning and execution of assignments against the enemy. Captain Ailes at all times displayed a high degree of leadership, a tactful and forceful attitude, and an aggressive and courageous spirit which was reflected in the coordination of the Staff and the splendid record of achievement attained by the combatant units of the Task Group. By his splendid and fearless performance of exacting duties, his inspiring leadership, effective planning and outstanding professional ability, Captain Ailes was immeasurably responsible for the efficient morale and high degree of combat efficiency attained by the various units of Task Group 77.1 in the operations against the enemy. His distinguished performance of duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Ailes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)