Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Dwight
Harvey
Day
1902-01-30

–

1972-12-07

Born:

Albert Lea

, 

Minnesota

Home:

Albert Lea

, 

Minnesota

Dwight Day graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1923. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    July 1 – 7, 1945

    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 Captain [then Commander] Dwight Harvey Day (NSN: 0-57988), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander Close Support Craft in action against enemy Japanese forces at Balikpapan, Borneo, from 1 to 7 July 1945. Under heavy enemy gun and mortar fire, Captain Day directed two rocket and strafing attacks on the primary landing beaches prior to the actual assault landings and, remaining for three days in the immediate vicinity of the beachhead which was under intermittent fire, gave essential close support to the advancing troops and screened amphibious craft from attacks. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    December 1943 – July 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Dwight Harvey Day (NSN: 0-57988), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious achievement in special duty from December 1943 until July 1945, while attached to the Staff of Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force. During this period he was charged with converting LCI(L) to rocket-carrying craft for use in close support of amphibious landings. Captain Day designed the armament and protection for sixteen of these craft, supervised the work of installation and personally trained the officers and crews in close support duties. During the same period he planned and conducted combat training of naval combat demolition teams assigned to the SEVENTH Amphibious Force. The conversion of the landing craft and training of personnel was accomplished under difficult conditions in the forward area with a minimum of training and repair facilities. He commanded detachments of these craft on thirteen amphibious landings during this period, being under enemy fire on frequent occasions and handling the craft under his command in a most creditable manner. The fine performance of the sixteen LCI(R) was an essential factor in the success of amphibious operations in the Southwest Pacific area, and reflects special credit on the professional skill, leadership, and devotion to duty exhibited by Captain Day. His performance throughout the above period was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    October 20, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander Dwight Harvey Day (NSN: 0-57988), United States Navy, for meritorious conduct as Commander of Task Unit SEVENTY-EIGHT POINT TWO POINT THREE (TU-78.2.3), during operations against Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 20 October 1944. In landing operations, frequently under air attack, he showed cool and capable leadership and disregard for personal safety in directing the operations of his unit to successfully accomplish its mission. In firefighting operations from 27 October to 17 November 1944 with enemy air attacks still in progress, with equally capable leadership and disregard for personal safety, he led his ships alongside burning ships and brought fires under control with a minimum of damage. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 011 (January 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Dwight Harvey Day (NSN: 0-57988), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of a Task Group of LCI Rocket Ships, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Biak Island and Dutch New Guinea, 27 May 1944. With his Task Group subjected to enemy aerial attack and fire from hostile shore batteries, Captain Day skillfully directed the maneuvering of ships under his command and led his men in seeking out and overcoming enemy pockets of resistance on the beachhead to assist the initial assault waves of landing troops. By his leadership and courage, Captain Day contributed materially to the success of our amphibious landing operations on these heavily fortified Japanese strongholds, and his devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    December 1943 – July 1945
    Board Serial 4073 (September 19, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Dwight Harvey Day (NSN: 0-57988), United States Navy, for meritorious service while attached to the Staff of the Commander SEVENTH Amphibious Force during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific War Area from December 1943 to July 1945. Charged with converting LCI(L)’s to rocket carrying craft for use in close support of amphibious landings, Captain Day designed the armament and protection for sixteen of these craft, supervised the work of installation and trained the officers and crews in close support duties. During this same period, he planned and conducted combat training of Naval combat demolition tams assigned to the SEVENTH Amphibious Force. On thirteen occasions, he commanded detachments of converted craft during amphibious landings and contributed materially to the successful performance of the sixteen LCI(R)’s throughout. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Day is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)