Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Unit:

South Pacific and South Pacific Force, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

September 21st, 1942

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Aircraft, South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force. During the period from 19 May to 21 September 1942, by his courageous initiative and efficient condition of the forces under his command, Rear Admiral McCain was responsible for the expansion and development of shore and tender bases, the maintenance of scouting and striking flights, and the establishment of effective cooperation between those air units of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand assigned to duty on the island bases. His tireless energy and extraordinary skill contributed greatly to occupation of the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area by our forces and to the destruction and serious damaging of numerous aircraft and vessels of the enemy Japanese Navy. His judicious foresight and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force: Serial 2961

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Vice Admiral

Unit:

Fast Carrier Task Force (Task Force 38), 3rd Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

December 9th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Group 38.1, after the torpedoing of the U.S.S. CANBERRA and U.S.S. HOUSTON by Japanese aerial forces, ninety miles off the Island of Formosa, during the period 13 to 15 October 1944. Vice Admiral McCain interposed his task group to cover the withdrawal of the U.S.S. CANBERRA and U.S.S. HOUSTON and by his skillful and courageous handling of his forces broke up repeated heavy enemy air attacks. His actions contributed in great measure to the ultimate successful salvaging of the two damaged cruisers. Vice Admiral McCain's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Commander 3d Fleet: Serial 0162

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Vice Admiral

Unit:

Fast Carrier Task Force (Task Force 38), 3rd Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 26th, 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander SECOND Carrier Task Force and Commander Task Force THIRTY-EIGHT, THIRD Fleet, during the period 1 November 1944 to 26 January 1945, in a series of highly successful offensive missions against the enemy including attacks on the Nansei Shoto Islands, Formosa, Luzon-Visayas Mindanao areas in the Philippine Islands, French Indo-China bases and Hong Kong-Canton Hainan areas, in support of Central and Southwest Pacific amphibious operations in the Palau Group, Ulithi Atoll, Morotai, and in the Philippine Islands. While under constant threat of attack by air, surface and submarines, the THIRD Fleet, to which Vice Admiral McCain was attached, repeatedly steamed for protracted periods in enemy waters and in close proximity to enemy-held territory and bases. During the entire period he successfully carried out all missions assigned his Task Force. In the face of determined enemy opposition, he consistently distinguished himself by great professional skill, high courage, and inspiring leadership. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 3d Fleet: Serial 0168 (Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Vice Admiral

Unit:

Fast Carrier Task Force (Task Force 38), 3rd Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

September 7th, 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander of the SECOND Carrier Task Force and Commander Task Force THIRTY-EIGHT from 28 May to 1 September 1945. Vice Admiral McCain was the Officer in Tactical Command of Task Force THIRTY-EIGHT. Assuming command at a time when the Japanese air force had elected to rely on concealment and dispersal as its primary defense, and at a time when destruction of Japanese grounded aircraft had become extremely difficult, Vice Admiral McCain devised techniques and procedures which resulted in the ferreting out of concealed grounded Japanese aircraft, and the attacks carried out with these techniques resulted in the destruction of about three thousand Japanese aircraft during this period. His defensive measures were so effective that during the sustained attacks on the home islands of Japan from 10 July to 15 August, only one ship--a destroyer--of his force was damaged by enemy air attack. The operations of the aircraft of Task Force THIRTY-EIGHT against the remnants of the Japanese Navy resulted in the final destruction or crippling damage to every remaining major ship in the Japanese Navy by 28 July 1945. The unrelenting character of the carrier air attack during this period and the high quality of the tactical performance, form one of the brightest pages of the history of naval aviation. Vice Admiral McCain's personal courage, unrelenting offensive spirit, and outstanding leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 3d Fleet: Serial 0499 (2nd Gold Star in lieu posthumously awarded)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

"FLEET"

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

"ESCORT"

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

"ASIA"

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Vice Admiral

Unit:

Fast Carrier Task Force (Task Force 38), 3rd Fleet, U.S. Navy

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With 1 battle star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)