The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Kenan Clark Childers, Jr. (NSN: 0-82662), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Naval Air Systems Command Representative, Atlantic, from August 1969 to July 1972. Rear Admiral Childers was responsible for improved technical coordination, administrative control and liaison functions in matters of fleet support, readiness and training in the Atlantic area. As Naval Air Systems Command Representative, Atlantic, he made many decisions affecting resource management, aircraft maintenance and overhaul and related logistic support, and procurement and production of aircraft systems. These decisions had far-reaching effects upon the efficiency and readiness of operating forces in an era of reduced funding and decreased manpower. Additionally, through Rear Admiral Childers’ efforts to improve contract administration practices, visible savings in the operation of the six Naval Plant Representative Offices under his command have been realized. By his distinguished leadership, judgment, and unflagging devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Childers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 1078 (August 12, 1969)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 Rear Admiral Kenan Clark Childers, Jr. (NSN: 0-82662), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Assistant Commander for Material Acquisition, Naval Air Systems Command, from June 1967 to August 1969. Through his outstanding leadership and managerial expertise in the management of limited manpower and financial resources, Rear Admiral Childers has enabled the Naval Air Systems Command to respond to the unusual demands placed upon the Command by requirements incident to operations in Southeast Asia, while maintaining continuity in other programs and initiating new projects of major significance to the Navy. His professional and technical ability and exceptional judgment were major factors in the Command’s meeting or exceeding all project goals during initial stages of development of a new naval fighter aircraft and a new carrier antisubmarine-warfare aircraft. Concurrently, his sound engineering skills and adherence to principle served as the finest example for subordinates in the prosecution of many other projects involving the research, development, test, and evaluation of naval air weapon systems. Rear Admiral Childers’ professional competence, dedication to duty, and professional and moral integrity inspired all with whom he has associated and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 1060 (December 9, 1960)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Kenan Clark Childers, Jr. (NSN: 0-82662), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 1 October 1957 to 20 July 1960 as Head of the Special Projects Field Office, Patrick Air Force Base, Cocoa, Florida. During this period, Captain Childers exercised a high degree of professional ability and resourcefulness in establishing test procedures, directing tests, and analyzing launch results. His invaluable work in the field of tests, test facilities and project management were contributing factors toward equipping the United States and the rest of the free world with Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapon System. Captain Childers’ dynamic leadership and untiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)Division:
U.S.S. Ranger (CV-4)Action Date:
November 8 – 11, 1942
Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 00189 (March 24, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Kenan Clark Childers, Jr. (NSN: 0-82662), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as pilot of an airplane in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. Participating in numerous flight missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Childers pressed home his attacks with bold determination and utter disregard for his own personal safety. Leading a section of planes in a raid against Rabat, he personally silenced two machine-gun emplacements and destroyed two aircraft on the ground. Over Fedala, when his section of four planes attacked sixteen hostile fighters, he personally shot down one and possibly another. The next day, under tremendous anti-aircraft fire, he took part in an attack against trucks and troops on the road to Fedala and personally demolished two vehicles and one machine-gun nest. Later in Casablanca harbor, he swept down on hostile destroyers and raked their decks with machine-gun fire. His courageous leadership and superb flying skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Kenan Clark Childers, Jr. (NSN: 0-82662), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy. On 16 February 1944, Lieutenant Childers was Air Observer over the important Japanese Base at Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore installations in the harbor and possible interceptions by enemy fighters, he transmitted valuable information pertaining to target to incoming strikes. Later in the same day he led his Division in repeated strafing attacks on Param airdrome, personally burning several enemy bombers on the ground. He also strafed and set on fire a small auxiliary near Quoi Island in Truk Lagoon. On 17 February 1944, Lieutenant Childers was the flight leader of the pre-dawn fighter sweep into the target. He led his group in repeated strafing attacks on the Moen bomber strip burning many enemy aircraft on the ground. He also led his flight on a continuous strafing run on ships anchored to the west and south of Dublon Island starting numerous fires and causing considerable damage to these vessels. These attacks were made in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire from combatant ships and shore installations in the harbor. His individual action and forceful leadership contributed greatly to the success of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Kenan Clark Childers, Jr. (NSN: 0-82662), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy during World War II.