Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Samuel Benjamin Frankel, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 30 September 1961 to 30 June 1964. As one of three general/flag officers selected by the Secretary of Defense to activate and establish a new, integrated intelligence agency, Rear Admiral Frankel was responsible for coordinating the planning, organization and operation of the agency from its initial inception to its present status as the principal intelligence instrument of the Department of Defense. Exercising brilliant leadership, outstanding professional competence, and a vast knowledge of intelligence and its national functions, he was eminently successful in carrying out his extremely sensitive and important assignment as Chief of Staff. Through his distinguished service and accomplishments during this period, Rear Admiral Frankel contributed immeasurably to the successful establishment and operation of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Murmansk and Archangel, USSR

    Action Date:

    November 1941 – September 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1941)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commander Samuel Benjamin Frankel, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Assistant Naval AttachŽ at Murmansk and Archangel. Commander Frankel served in that Russian post from November 1941 to September 1942 and, under adverse conditions, displayed extraordinary initiative and tireless energy in the direction of repairs to damaged United States vessels, in the salvaging of stranded and abandoned vessels, and in the supervision, rescue, hospitalization and repatriation of survivors of sunken ships. As a result of his courage and resourcefulness, certain vessels which would otherwise have been lost have been saved for future service in the war effort.