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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Ellis Burton Orr, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Assistant Approach Officer, Executive Officer, and Navigator of the U.S.S. RASHER (SS-269) during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 30 April to 23 June 1944. He trained the junior officers and crew thoroughly and continuously, expertly navigated the ship into contact with the enemy, and skillfully and courageously performed his duties as Assistant Approach Officer. His efforts were a major factor in sinking 24,455 tons of enemy shipping, and damaging 20,931 tons, and in the safe and undamaged return of the vessel to port. 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.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Fleet Activities, Inchon & Pusan

    Action Date:

    October 6, 1950 – November 15, 1951
    All Hands (August 1953)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Ellis Burton Orr, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Fleet Activities, Inchon, from 6 October to 29 December 1950, and Commander Fleet Activities, Pusan, from 30 December 1950 to 15 November 1951. (Commander Orr is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Rasher (SS-269)

    Action Date:

    September 24 – November 24, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02403 (August 27, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Ellis Burton Orr, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Diving Officer and Officer of the Deck of the U.S.S. RASHER (SS-269) during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 24 September to 24 November 1943. The efficient and reliable operation of the Engineering Department was directly due to his leadership, sound professional knowledge and devotion to duty. The admirably cool and courageous manner in which he performed his duties as Diving Officer when submerged, and Officer of the Deck when surfaced during attack delivered under the trying conditions of battle and the brave, calm and inspiring manner in which he controlled his stations during repeated counterattacks by depth charges and gunfire, contributed largely to the success attained, and to the safe and undamaged return of that vessel to port. 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.