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Post, William Shuyler, Jr.

Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
Commanding Officer, USS Gudgeon (SS-211), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
June 26th, 1943
Citation:
"for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211), during operations in the Java Sea on the SEVENTH and EIGHT war patrols of that vessel, during the period 13 March through 6 April 1943. Lieutenant Commander Post distinguished himself by his brilliant tactical knowledge and sound judgment in maneuvering his vessel into advantageous striking positions so skillfully and aggressively as to destroy four hostile ships, totaling 29,557 tons, and to damage an additional 5,994 tons, despite persistent and violent enemy countermeasures. Through his experience and sound judgment, Lieutenant Commander Post was able to complete his vital missions successfully, without serious damage to his ship or injury to his crew, and brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
Commanding Officer, USS Gudgeon (SS-211), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
December 24th, 1943
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"or gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine on War Patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. In the face of strong enemy oppositions he conducted aggressive, skillful attacks, resulting in the destruction of over 15,000 tons and damaging over 9,000 tons of enemy shipping. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
Commanding Officer, USS Gudgeon (SS-211), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 18th, 1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211) during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters during World War II. He conducted highly successful torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys which resulted in the sinking of one light cruiser, one transport and one freighter and the damaging of one large tanker. He skillfully evaded all enemy counter measures and by gun fire on one occasion drove off two attacking escort vessels. His courageous conduct in all of these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
Commanding Officer, USS Spot (SS-413), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
April 25th, 1945
Navy Cross
Citation:
"for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SPOT (SS-413) on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, and as Commander of a Group of submarines in coordinated attacks against enemy Japanese shipping in the East China and Yellow Sea Areas, during the period 4 December 1944 to 30 January 1945. Leading his group into dangerous shallow-water areas, Commander Post directed his vessel in numerous torpedo and gun attacks which sank over 10,000 tons of Japanese shipping. He coolly and skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
Commanding Officer, USS Spot (SS-413), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
July 10th, 1945
Legion of Merit - US Military
Citation:
"for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SPOT (SS-413) during a War Patrol of that Submarine during World War II. Aggressively assaulting the enemy at every opportunity, he launched torpedo attacks which resulted in sinking and damaging more than 10,000 tons of enemy shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Post is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
Commanding Officer, USS Gudgeon (SS-211), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
July 26th, 1946
Navy Cross
Citation:
"for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 April 1943 to 15 May 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Pursuing highly aggressive and tenacious tactics, Commander Post launched a series of brilliant torpedo and gun attacks, which resulted in the sinking of three enemy ships and the damaging of an enemy freighter for a total of 19,575 tons sunk and 9,000 tons damaged. In addition, he carried out a specially secret mission of great importance. He coolly and skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Citation:
"for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 25 February 1963 to 31 May 1965, as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, Military Sea Transportation Service. During this period, Rear Admiral Post displayed superior technical competence and understanding in handling the unique and complex problems associated with ocean transportation for the Department of Defense. Under his knowledgeable direction, and close, perceptive, personal guidance, both as Chief of Staff and as Acting Commander, the effectiveness of ocean transportation service to the Department of Defense has been maintained at a high level and the sealift readiness position of the Department of Defense has been substantially improved. As a result of his managerial skill, both of these results, involving a total annual budget of $450,000,000 have been accomplished at considerable, though incalculable, savings to the government. Rear Admiral Post's outstanding leadership, sound judgment and exemplary devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Sources

  • - Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present, by C. Douglas Sterner

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