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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Richard K. Margetts, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as commander of a division of assault boats during the invasion of Italy during World War II. Lieutenant Margetts effected the landing of the initial assault-boat waves against strong enemy fire from beach defenses. Later he went to the assistance of a boat group attempting to land on an adjacent beach and delivered concentrated rocket fire which cleared the way for the landing. He then assisted in the rescue of personnel from a stranded landing craft which was under enemy fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 358 (January 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Richard K. Margetts, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of Group Support during the initial attacks of the invasion at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    July 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 325 (April 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Richard K. Margetts, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in July 1943. When one of his support boats suffered damage neutralizing its fire power and another incurred engine damage and was in a sinking condition during the assault on Sicily, he immediately placed the sinking craft in tow of the other and thus utilized its fire power on assigned targets. His resourcefulness and presence of mind contributed greatly to the success of our operations.