Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Benjamin Eugene Moore, Jr. (NSN: 0-61461), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer on board the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area, 30 October 1944. When the FRANKLIN was attacked and set ablaze by Japanese aircraft while operating off Samar Island in support of our landings at Leyte, Captain Moore fought gallantly to save his ship and, efficiently directing the fire fighting, rescue work, plane salvage, and removal of flooding in the lower decks, brought the battle-damage under control. His calm and resourceful leadership below decks served as an inspiration to both his officers and men and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Moore and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1964 – March 1966
    Board Serial 525 (February 1, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Benjamin Eugene Moore, Jr. (NSN: 0-61461), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1964 to March 1966 as Commander Fleet Air, Mediterranean. Exercising outstanding leadership and professional skill, Rear Admiral Moore has raised the readiness of his command to an unprecedented high level of responsiveness. An extremely able administrator, he has realigned and reorganized his entire command to produce a more efficient and functional structure, while at the same time achieving most significant economies both in personnel and money. The effectiveness of this management analysis is to be found in a proposed reorganization of the naval air logistic system in the Mediterranean which, when implemented, will result in personnel savings of approximately 200 officers and men and financial savings estimated to exceed $3,500,000 annually. Rear Admiral Moore’s sound judgment, keen foresight, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.