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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Gordon Donald Gayle (MCSN: 0-5920), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau islands, on 15 September 1944. Immediately after repulsing a strong Japanese counterattack, Major Gayle skillfully seized the critical moment to cross the Peleliu airdrome, personally leading his Battalion in the assault over fourteen hundred yards of open ground in the face of intense hostile mortar, artillery and machine-gun fire. Although later wounded, he refused evacuation to continue his duties, thereby contributing materially to the success with which his Battalion seized and held the major portion of the airfield against fanatical enemy resistance and fierce counterattacks. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    January 11 – April 21, 1952
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Donald Gayle (MCSN: 0-5920), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.) and subsequently as Division Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, in Korea during the period from 11 January through 21 April 1952. (Lieutenant Colonel Gayle is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Gordon Donald Gayle (MCSN: 0-5920), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.