The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Rexford Vinal Wheeler, Jr. (NSN: 0-78830), United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of a United States Destroyer in the vicinity of Okinawa on 6 April 1945. When his ship was struck by an enemy suicide plane, heavy fires spread throughout the bridge superstructure. Despite intense heat and heavy smoke he remained at his station and successfully directed the control of damage and the fighting of fires, coordinating the assistance of ships on either side. His disregard for personal safety and his devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Wheeler is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Morris (DD-417)Action Date:
October 1944 – April 1945
Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 1839 (April 2, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Rexford Vinal Wheeler, Jr. (NSN: 0-78830), United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MORRIS (DD-417) from October 1944 to April 1945. The early part of this period was spent in supporting the various landings on New Guinea and escorting troops and supply echelons to and from Leyte. During the Lingayen Gulf landings the MORRIS patrolled, bombarded and fought off enemy suicide planes. On 6 April 1945, after six days of patrol and picket ship at Okinawa, the MORRIS was hit and severely damaged by a Kamikaze plane, forcing her to retire and bringing an end to this hazardous duty. The courage and leadership shown by Commander Wheeler were an inspiration to his men. His conduct and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Wheeler is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 2925 (April 25, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Rexford Vinal Wheeler, Jr. (NSN: 0-78830), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commandant, Fifth Naval District/Commander, Naval Base, Norfolk, Virginia, from September 1965 to April 1967, and as Head, Naval Command Course, Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island from July 1963 through August 1965. Exercising outstanding command ability and dynamic leadership qualities, Captain Wheeler insured that the efforts of the shore activities of the world’s largest naval base were at all times channeled toward maximum assistance to the fleet during a period of vastly increased tempo of the Vietnam crisis, thus enabling the operating units to meet their many and varied commitments and vitally contributing to the defense of the United States. His consummate managerial skill and his exceptional ability to take effective action with intelligent initiative have greatly improved Navy organization and administration, as well as the prestige, morale and welfare of members of the naval service and their dependents. As Head of the Naval Command Course, Captain Wheeler substantially advanced national policy both in domestic matters and in the sphere of foreign policy by contributing materially to the understanding and trust between the naval services of the United States and thirty-five foreign nations. His keen sense of responsibility, attention to detail, sound judgment and outstanding professional competence reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.