The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Stanley Martyn Haight (NSN: 0-17013), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Division of Attack Transports during the amphibious assault and capture of Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima. Demonstrating exceptional skill and courage under hazardous conditions, Captain Haight ably caused excellent tactical landings of his Division and successfully debarked combat troops and vital material onto the invasion beaches. By his outstanding knowledge, leadership and sound judgment he contributed materially to the successful completion of these amphibious operations, particularly during the landing at Leyte, where Captain Haight, as Shore Representative of the Amphibious Group Commander, capably directed the expeditious unloading of a Transport Squadron. His ability, courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Haight is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Stanley Martyn Haight (NSN: 0-17013), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action from 22 October to 24 October 1944, while serving as Relief Group Beachmaster on the Blue and Orange Beaches during the assault on Leyte, Philippine Islands, after the regular Beachmaster had been incapacitated. On 22 October the Blue and Orange Beaches over which the 43d Infantry Division was landing had become so congested as to practically bring operations to a stand-still and grave doubt existed as to the possibility of completing the uploading and sailing of transports in advance of the arrival of the two powerful Japanese Task Forces then known to be threatening. When in the emergency he was detached from his normal duties as a Transport Division Commander and ordered to assume temporarily the duties of Group Beachmaster to accompany the unloading, his leadership and resourcefulness in rallying, reorganizing, and directing both the Shore and Beach Parties in the area together with rounding up of mechanical equipment necessary, restored the situation and were principally responsible for the completion of unloading and the sailing of transports by 24 October 1944 prior to the arrival in the area of the enemy surface forces. During this period all Beaches were under enemy fire and frequent air bombing and strafing attacks, and progress was greatly impaired by fires caused by enemy bombing. His determined and indefatigable efforts, disregard for personal safety while under enemy fire and intelligent direction of the operations were an inspiration to those with whom he served and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.