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.