Ephraim Rankin Mclean, Jr.
Born: October 2, 1903 at Carrollton, Mississippi
Home Town: Cleveland, Mississippi
Navy Cross
World War II
U.S. Navy
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ephraim Rankin McLean, Jr., Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 4 and 5 July 1943. Commander McLean placed his ship alongside a vessel which had been torpedoed, and directed hazardous rescue operations. Although his ship was subjected to intense fire from coastal batteries, he continued his rescue efforts until 75% of the personnel had been saved. Commander McLean’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.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321 (December 1943)