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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Calvin T. Durgin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of a major task group during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in 1944. Admiral Durgin exhibited marked skill and extreme energy in providing for carrier-based air support during the assault landings. His aggressive leadership contributed materially to the early establishment of the beachhead and the rapid advance of the occupying forces.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 356 (November 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Calvin Thornton Durgin, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a major Task Group during the invasion of Southern France in August 1944.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    February 16 – June 21, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 352 (July 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Calvin Thornton Durgin, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while commanding support carrier groups during operations against Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the islands of Nansei Shoto from 16 February 1945 to 21 June 1945. Admiral Durgin synchronized his supporting units with the other elements of the assault forces to produce maximum striking power. In addition he launched strikes against Sakashima and Amani Gunto and directed his force in supporting the invasions of Kerama Retto, Keise Shima, Okinawa, Ie Shima, Iheya Shima and Aguni Shima. Always on the offensive, the units under his command inflicted heavy damage upon the enemy and aided in maintaining control of the sea and air in the objective areas.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 9, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Calvin T. Durgin, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of an escort carrier group in Lingayen Gulf on 9 January 1945.