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Navy Federal Credit Union
George
Chamberlain
Duncan
February 11, 1917

–

December 15, 1995

George Duncan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He became a World War II Navy DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 13.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 3, 1964 – September 12, 1966
    Board Serial 7508 (November 4, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 3 August 1964 to 12 September 1966, as Chief of Staff and Aide, Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. During this period, Captain Duncan directed and coordinated the work of the staff over a period when commitments to Southeast Asia demanded continuously high states of readiness in all NAVAIRPAC units. Demonstrating exceptional managerial and organizational skill, he was instrumental in implementing “functional base loading” of Pacific Fleet air stations and in establishing the “functional” Commander Fleet Air Commands within Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet. These new and farsighted actions greatly reduced logistic effort and costs of aircraft support while promoting higher standards and quality of training in the Force. Captain Duncan was instrumental also in developing and implementing staff actions which have made practicable and deployment of an additional carrier for the conflict in Southeast Asia. By constant and aggressive application of superior knowledge and experience, and by his outstanding organizational and leadership abilities, Captain Duncan has been singularly successful in raising the overall combat readiness of Pacific Fleet aviation units. His exceptionally meritorious service is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), in action against the enemy in the Pacific Area of Operations, during World War II. His gallant and untiring devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 54 (VF-54)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Valley Forge (CV-45)

    Action Date:

    May 3, 1953
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1291 (June 15, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Jet Fighter Pilot in Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), based on board the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 3 May 1953. Leading a four-plane flight of jet planes on a strike against an enemy troop billeting and vehicle staging area, Commander Duncan conducted nine effective low-level bombing, strafing and incendiary attacks, despite intense hostile machine gun and small arms fire. On his initial attack, he obtained accurate coverage of the target with incendiary clusters, starting numerous fires. During his succeeding bombing attacks, he scored four direct hits which caused two secondary explosions, spreading fire throughout the area. Realizing that the target was a gasoline storage center, he concentrated the remaining attacks in the immediate vicinity obtaining numerous other secondary explosions which completely leveled a large area. By his brilliant airmanship, courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Commander Duncan contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), in action against the enemy in the Pacific Area of Operations, during World War II. His gallant and untiring devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), in action against the enemy in the Pacific Area of Operations, during World War II. His gallant and untiring devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), in action against the enemy over the Central Philippines on 12 September 1944. As pilot of a carrier based fighter airplane he, although greatly outnumbered, attacked and destroyed two, probably destroyed a third, airborne enemy fighter airplanes in aerial combat, and contributed materially to the total destruction of twenty-one others. During this same flight he repeatedly pressed home vigorous strafing attacks against enemy aircraft on the ground, destroying four by burning, even though he was confronted by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. His heroism, courage, coolness and great skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1944
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 6613 (August 26, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 6 November 1944. Skillfully fighting his plane, Lieutenant Commander Duncan engaged and shot down his fifth enemy aircraft on this date. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0659 (October 18, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the central Philippines, on 13 September 1944. Alert and aggressive while leading his division in a hazardous fighter sweep against the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Duncan courageously intercepted a group of hostile planes and, pressing home his assaults with grim determination, personally shot down one medium enemy bomber and rendered invaluable assistance to a fellow pilot in destroying another during this engagement. Subsequently attacked by a vastly superior force of Japanese fighters, he skillfully maneuvered his plane for maximum striking power and, despite the tremendous odds, succeeded in blasting two of the hostile craft from the sky and in damaging a third. In addition, although opposed by concentrated anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Duncan launched repeated hazardous strafing runs against grounded enemy aircraft, setting fire to and destroying three grounded planes. By his inspiring leadership, resolute courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Commander Duncan contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0429 (December 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Undaunted by hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Duncan carried out an attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet, scoring a direct bomb hit to assist in sinking an enemy carrier, and contributing to the success of the mission. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Commander Duncan upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Valley Forge (CV-45)

    Action Date:

    January 1, 1953 – June 5, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander George Chamberlain Duncan (NSN: 0-82484), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron FIFTY-ONE (VF-51), serving with Carrier Air Group FIVE on board the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), during combat operations against enemy North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces in the Korean Theater from 1 January 1953 to 5 June 1953. During this period, Commander Duncan consistently demonstrated an aggressive competence which developed and maintained an outstanding performance from his squadron. Through his skillful planning and able leadership, his squadron struck many blows causing heavy damage to enemy targets. By his sound judgment, professional skill and conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of an important task, he contributed materially to the success of the United Nations Forces against the enemy. His inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Duncan is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)