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 with Combat “V” to Captain Victor Dismukes Long (NSN: 0-59709), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Squadron SIX during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa from 24 March to 24 June 1945. Serving as Screen Commander during this period of most hazardous duty, Captain Long organized, planned and directed the operations of the screen, keeping his squadron and other screening vessels under his command operating efficiently and effectively for extended periods of time in dangerous hostile waters. By his professional skill and exemplary leadership, he contributed materially to the success of the support carrier unit in bringing about the ultimate defeat of the enemy. His unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Long is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02969 (May 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Victor Dismukes Long (NSN: 0-59709), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Screen Commander for an Escort Carrier Task Unit, in operations against enemy Japanese forces in support of the invasion of Luzon, Philippine Islands, January 1945. Skillfully directing his screen in destroying numerous aircraft while under heavy attack, Captain Long rendered outstanding service in rescuing a total of 348 men from a sinking escort carrier as well as rescuing many airmen from planes which had been forced to make water landings. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Long is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Victor Dismukes Long (NSN: 0-59709), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commander of the screening destroyers of a Fast Carrier Task Group on 13 October 1944. While in action with the enemy and when a group of enemy torpedo planes executed a fast and cleverly concealed attack at dusk upon our carriers encumbered with the recovery of airplanes, he so disposed the ships of the screen and controlled their fire that not a single torpedo hit was registered by the attackers nor did any of the enemy planes which pressed in to the torpedo release point escape destruction. His courage, skill and inspiring example were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.