The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Gordon Ross Nakagawa (NSN: 0-564408), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of the Systems Engineering Management Division and the Evaluation Division and as Assistant Director, Avionics Division, Naval Air Systems Command from September 1979 to May 1983. Displaying superior leadership, Captain Nakagawa gave absolutely vital service in directing the technical, engineering, systems integration, and management actions for all naval aircraft in production. He exerted profound influence over thousands of engineers and technicians in the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters, Navy field activities, and contractor plants in the successful management and engineering design of twenty-nine different aircraft models. Instrumental in solidifying engineering and operational issues reflecting upon the future requirements for carrier battle group strike and defense capabilities, Captain Nakagawa’s superb guidance established improvements to existing weapon systems and the formulation of conceptual requirements and designs which contributed markedly to the strength of naval air power and the mission capability of the United States Navy. By his untiring efforts to carry out the varied and demanding tasks of his assignment with an unsurpassed record of achievement, extraordinary guidance, and selfless dedication to duty, Captain Nakagawa reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 21, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Commander Gordon Ross Nakagawa (NSN: 0-564408), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 21, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 21, 1972 – March 29, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Gordon Ross Nakagawa (NSN: 0-564408), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 21 December 1972 to 29 March 1973. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
September 1983 – August 1985
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 Captain Gordon Ross Nakagawa (NSN: 0-564408), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, California from September 1983 through August 1985. Throughout this period, Captain Nakagawa provided the professional skills and inspirational guidance which enabled the Naval Air Station to provide outstanding support and facilities to the Commander, Pacific Missile Test Center and six tenant squadrons. Immediately upon assuming command, he commenced transforming the loosely organized station security forces into a well-coordinated, well-equipped team. The result of his dynamic and participatory leadership was to bind together, by professional respect and proven accomplishment, a Crisis Response Force of officers, petty officers, and non-rated personnel who are confident of their ability, proud of their achievements, and certain of their readiness to respond. Captain Nakagawa’s superb performance of duty was responsible for improving the material conditions of station facilities with concomitant improvements in working conditions and morale. His consistent no-tolerance drug policy and strict, demanding adherence to Navy regulations lowered substance abuse activity at Point Mugu to a very low level. Captain Nakagawa’s deep concern for the personal of his command was exhibited in his consistent personal contact with personnel reporting aboard and in the work center. By his noteworthy achievements, consummate judgment, and tireless devotion to duty, Captain Nakagawa reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 21, 1972 – March 29, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Gordon Ross Nakagawa (NSN: 0-564408), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]