The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral William Marr Pugh, II, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic from August 1970 through June 1974, and while serving concurrently as Commandant, THIRD Naval District from June 1972 through June 1974. As Commander, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic, Rear Admiral Pugh achieved significant economies of resources while reducing cargo backlogs, releasing ships in strikebound ports and expediting the flow of vital materials to Europe via the Atlantic route. Further, he established an outstanding relationship with all components of the maritime industry, comprised of federal, industrial, management, and labor factions. As Commandant, THIRD Naval District, Rear Admiral Pugh was responsible for total Navy area coordination in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. In support of the Shore Establishment Realignment Program, his initiative, planning, and direction were instrumental in effecting numerous, complex base closures, consolidations, and personal reductions resulting in significant savings in Navy resources. Rear Admiral Pugh’s exemplary performance, professional competence and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantDivision:
United States Navy Submarine (SS)Action Date:
World War II
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 William Marr Pugh, II, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties in a United States Submarine during a War Patrol of that vessel during World War II. As Torpedo Data Computer Operator, his keen understanding of fire control equipment and proficiency in operating the Torpedo Data Computer, were of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of over 28,000 tons of enemy shipping, including two valuable enemy combatant units. His coolness and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantDivision:
U.S.S. Puffer (SS-268)Action Date:
April 30 – June 21, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William Marr Pugh, II, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer and Torpedo Data Computer Operator of the U.S.S. PUFFER (SS-268), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 30 April to 21 June 1944. He, by his excellent analysis of the torpedo fire control problem during five attacks on enemy vessels, contributed directly to the sinking of two tankers and a freighter totaling 24,300 tons and to the damaging of a large aircraft carrier and tanker totaling 34,200 tons. During the attack on the enemy aircraft carrier only his fast and cool-headed work in continuing to analyze the high speed problem while torpedoes were being fired were responsible for hitting the carrier with one torpedo. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to officers and men on his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.