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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Vice Admiral [then Rear Admiral] Francis Stuart Low (NSN: 0-9018), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Cruiser Support Unit in the Western Pacific War Area from 14 March to 13 June 1945. Operating with a fast carrier Task Group, Vice Admiral Low effectively directed his unit in strikes in support of the landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and in strikes on other islands of the Nansei Shoto and the Japanese home islands of Kyushu and southern Honshu. During this period, consisting of long sustained operations with brief periods of intensive training and replenishment, he distinguished himself by maintaining a high state of combat readiness and fighting efficiency among the ships of his command, thereby contributing materially to the success of these major operations against the enemy. His skillful leadership and untiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Vice Admiral Low is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    March 1943 – January 1945
    Board Serial 305POO (March 12, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Francis Stuart Low (NSN: 0-9018), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, United States TENTH Fleet, from March 1943 to January 1945. Exercising command of the TENTH Fleet under the delegated authority of the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, Rear Admiral Low conducted an aggressive campaign against submarines in the Atlantic. Maintaining effective liaison with the General Staff of the United States Army, the British Admiralty and the Canadian Naval Headquarters to insure maximum efficiency in combined operations, he coordinated and directed the activities of Allied anti-submarine forces as they systematically tracked down and destroyed German undersea marauders ranging the vast reaches of the Atlantic. Responsible for the protection of Allied shipping in the Eastern, Gulf and Caribbean Sea Frontiers, he exercised close control over all convoys under United States cognizance. Working tirelessly throughout the European phase of World War II, he correlated United States anti-submarine training and material development, consistently supplied anti-submarine and training procedures to our forces afloat, and made available the latest intelligence data to the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, and to other Fleet and Sea Frontier commanders. By his outstanding professional skill and his unfailing initiative, resourcefulness and judgment, Rear Admiral Low ably discharged the multiple responsibilities of his highly specialized command, thereby contributing substantially to the success of our Naval forces in the Battle of the Atlantic. The brilliant achievements of the TENTH Fleet reflect the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Low, his loyal staff, and the United States Naval Service.