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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 Legion of Merit to Captain Leroy White Busbey, Jr. (NSN: 0-17176), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander Service Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, from July 1942 to August 1943. Captain Busbey directed the extensive operations of Service Force ships at a period when the German submarine offensive was at its zenith, and the scarcity of ships made mandatory a minute long-range study of each vessel’s employment. The dispatch and efficiency with which the sailings of Atlantic Fleet oilers, provision and storage cargo ships, as well as other units assigned to the Service Force were planned and directed, resulted in the successful and timely transport of vital fuel, stores, and men to widely dispersed fleet units and to overseas American and Allied bases. He contributed materially to the success of the North African invasion by his judicious and farsighted planning of the requirements and movements of Atlantic Fleet auxiliaries which supported logistically the first American large-scale military operations against Germany. Captain Busbey’s keen foresight, power of decision, and indefatigable exertions in a position of great responsibility contributed directly to the successful prosecution of the war.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Salt Lake City (CA-25)

    Action Date:

    November 18 – 26, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Leroy White Busbey, Jr. (NSN: 0-17176), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while in Command of the U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during the action for the occupation of the Gilbert Island, 18 – 26 November 1943. The cruiser under his command effectively bombarded enemy shore installations at Bititu Island in the face of fire from shore batteries and retired without damage. The Task Group of which his ship was a part maintained its position within easy bombing range of enemy bases for a period of eight days during which time the Task Group was twice under heavy torpedo attack by enemy planes. One of these attacks was pressed home to close quarters in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from our ships, but only one of our vessels was damaged. His courageous and intelligent leadership not only brought his own ship through safely, but materially contributed to the defense of the entire Task Group and the success of its mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Salt Lake City (CA-25)

    Action Date:

    January 23 – March 17, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04898 (September 25, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Leroy White Busbey, Jr. (NSN: 0-17176), 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. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25) during combat operations against the enemy from 23 January to 17 March 1944. During this period he participated in the Marshall Islands Campaign including several bombardments of Wotje Island, Wotje Atoll, during January and February 1944, and bombardments of Taroa Island, Maleop Atoll on 30 and 31 January 1944. He also served as the Commander of a Task Unit on independent duty during a portion of the above period. At all times he handled his ship with courageous skill and his disregard for personal safety and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Busbey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)