The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Harold Meade McGaughey (NSN: 0-115298), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 5 December 1944, while piloting a Navy Search Bomber plane, Lieutenant Commander McGaughey caused the destruction of two enemy merchant ships. Again on 7 December 1944, without thought of personal safety, often in the face of intense enemy fire, he bombed and destroyed six enemy vessels and shot an enemy dive bomber from the air. Though on both occasions his plane was damaged, he was able through his skillful airmanship, to bring his plane to base without loss or injury to his crew. His great devotion to duty during long fatiguing combat missions, his exemplary airmanship and leadership in combat under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Harold Meade McGaughey (NSN: 0-115298), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. During the period from 12 to 24 December 1944, on three search and reconnaissance missions, Lieutenant Commander McGaughey and his crew caused the destruction of four enemy vessels and an enemy aircraft in aerial combat. On 12 December while on patrol, they sighted an enemy twin-engine plane and attacked it. When the range had been closed to a hundred and fifty yards, the gunners opened fire and raked the plane from nose to tail. It burst into flames and crashed into the sea. On 15 December 1944, again on a search and reconnaissance patrol they sighted three enemy vessels. Though opposed by anti-aircraft fire from them, several mast-head attacks were made until the ships and their gasoline cargo caught fire and they all burned to destruction. On 24 December another enemy vessel was encountered by them, and again, flying low through anti-aircraft fire, they attacked it until it was consumed in flames.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Harold Meade McGaughey (NSN: 0-115298), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On successive patrols on 2 and 7 February 1945, while serving as Pilot of a Navy Search Liberator, he directly contributed to the destruction of an enemy plane in aerial combat, two enemy vessels sunk, and fourteen vessels damaged. Although under fire from the plane, from ships and shore installations he carried out his duties with cool and determined efficiency. His inspiring devotion to duty, his high professional skill and his cool courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Harold Meade McGaughey (NSN: 0-115298), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 10 February 1945, he served as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Search Liberator which flew through intense anti-aircraft fire to bomb and strafe an enemy ship, leaving it in a sinking condition, and also shot down an enemy aircraft. This was the fifth plane destroyed by this crew in aerial combat. His great courage, superb skill, and unfailing devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.