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 with Combat “V” to Captain George Patton Kraker (NSN: 0-56085), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations against enemy forces while serving as Atlantic Fleet Escort Commander protecting trans-Atlantic convoys during World War II. Undeterred by the hazards of enemy submarine-infested waters and adverse weather conditions, Captain Kraker skillfully directed the ships under his command in fulfilling the difficult assignment of transporting men and supplies to sustain the Allied war fronts in Europe. By his sound judgment and professional skill, he contributed materially to the prosecution of the war in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Kraker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain George Patton Kraker (NSN: 0-56085), 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. MARBLEHEAD (CL-12), and Commander of a Gunfire Support Unit prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Distinctly successful in achieving a high state of training and combat readiness in his command, Captain Kraker fearlessly directed the conduct of numerous gunfire support missions against the devastating return fire of German coastal positions during actual assault operations and, by his daring and forceful leadership, materially assisted the Allied ground forces in their advance along the coastal areas on the right flank. Captain Kraker’s effective coordination of offensive activities by his units in carrying out patrol and bombardment missions was an important factor in their successful support of Allied operations in Southern France. (Captain Kraker is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)