Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Woodrow Wilson McCrory (NSN: 0-81218), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PARCHE (SS-384), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in Japanese waters, from 25 May 1945 to 28 June 1945. With great skill, aggressiveness and daring, he conducted torpedo and gun attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of enemy ships and numerous small craft totaling approximately 15,000 tons. He skillfully brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander McCrory is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Parche (SS-384)

    Action Date:

    June 17 – August 16, 1944

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 07434 (December 10, 1944)

    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 Lieutenant Commander Woodrow Wilson McCrory (NSN: 0-81218), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. PARCHE (SS-384), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine from 17 June to 16 August 1944. His outstanding courage, determination, and intelligent coordination of all factors connected with the approach problems were materially responsible for his vessel’s success in the sinking of four enemy ships totaling 34,000 tons and the damaging of an additional ship of 4,000 tons, and, in another encounter, the sinking of a 300-ton patrol vessel by gunfire. His efficiency, coolness and inspiring leadership during enemy counter-attacks contributed directly to the success of his ship in avoiding severe damage or destruction from heavy enemy gunfire and imminent collision, and in effecting her escape. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Parche (SS-384)

    Action Date:

    March 29 – May 23, 1944

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 05480 (October 9, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Woodrow Wilson McCrory (NSN: 0-81218), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Executive Officer and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. PARCHE (SS-384), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine from 29 March to 23 May 1944. His intelligent handling of approach problems, courage and outstanding ability were materially responsible for his vessel’s success in sinking four enemy ships totaling 30,400 tons. As Executive Officer his performance of duty was of such high order that his Commanding Officer felt free to devote his entire attention to matters of policy, and tactics with perfect confidence that the ship was being competently administered. His efficiency and coolness during enemy counter-measures greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Parche (SS-384)

    Action Date:

    1945

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 030931 (July 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Woodrow Wilson McCrory (NSN: 0-81218), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PARCHE (SS-384), a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area during World War II. In relentless offensive against the enemy, he launched attacks which resulted in sinking and damaging more than 12,000 tons of enemy shipping. After these daring and aggressive attacks, he skillfully brought his ship safely to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Woodrow Wilson McCrory (NSN: 0-81218), 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.