The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral George Lester Weyler, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Battle Line Commander, Allied Support Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the early morning hours of 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers entered the Surigao Strait and advanced under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, Rear Admiral Weyler, standing by in readiness with his battleship division placed with others in the strategic formation across the northern end of the Strait, hurled the full power of his heavy guns at the surprised enemy and, directed the ships with such effectiveness that it resulted in the sinking of two Japanese battleships and three destroyers before effective return fire could be brought to bear upon our ships. Rear Admiral Weyler, by his superb leadership, outstanding professional skill and indomitable determination in the face of a powerful enemy force, contributed materially to the destruction of capital ships of the Japanese Fleet in their own waters. His undaunted courage and resolute conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Battle Line, Allied Support ForceAction Date:
October 20, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral George Lester Weyler, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the planning and direction of the two greatest amphibious operations thus far undertaken in the Southwest Pacific Area. In the invasion of Leyte on 20 October 1944 Rear Admiral Weyler served as Commander fire Support Unit North. By bombardment and fire support his unit aided the successful landing of troops. His ships inflicted severe damage to the Japanese Task Force in the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October 1944. Rear Admiral Weyler served as Commander San Fabian Fire Support Unit in the Lingayen Gulf Landings. In spite of determined enemy aircraft attack, he directed a heavy bombardment of the coast on 9 January 1945 and enabled our troops to land with light casualties. His planning and direction of attack on the enemy were excellent. His outstanding performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 354 (September 1946)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral George Lester Weyler, 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 in planning and directing, and as Commander Fire Support Unit North, during the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October 1944.