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 Captain Edwin A. McDonald, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 29 June 1956 to 30 June 1962 while serving as Task Group Commander and Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Support Force, Antarctica. Exercising sound judgment and outstanding knowledge of ship operation in polar regions, Captain McDonald skillfully commanded re-supply and exploratory ship task groups of Task Force 43 for the U.S. Navy’s Operation DEEP FREEZE from its inception to the conclusion of Operation DEEP FREEZE 62. During this six-year period, he effected timely delivery of thousands of tons of cargo despite arduous conditions. In addition, he personally led scientific expeditions into previously unexplored Arctic waters.

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 Captain Edwin A. McDonald, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Unit 43.1.3 with the United States Naval Support Force, Antarctica, during Operation DEEP FREEZE 60 from 1959 to 1960. Exercising a high degree of professional skill and leadership, Captain McDonald planned and directed the first penetration of the Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica, by surface vessels. He then organized his units in order to gain the maximum scientific value from this penetration, carrying out geological, oceanographic and biological surveys of great importance in this previously unexplored region. Deploying the ships of his task unit along the coast of the Thurston Peninsula, he succeeded in delineating the coastline and discovering many new geographical features, although the coastal waters were completely unsounded. In addition, he directed operations which resulted in the rescue of the Danish vessel, KISTA DAN, which was carrying the British Antarctic expedition.