Warren Calavan Gill

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Warren Calavan Gill, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of small boats for the amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, on 10 July 1943. Lieutenant (j.g.) Gill, while directing the lowering of small boats from U.S.S. LST THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-SEVEN (LST-357), which was under enemy fire, was seriously wounded. Despite his wounds he continued with utmost intrepidity to efficiently carry on his duty as commander of the assault flotillas, giving last-minute instructions to the officers and crews. He then collapsed and his injuries were found to be so severe that many months of hospitalization will be required for recovery. Lieutenant (j.g.) Gill’s heroism was an inspiration to all officers and men of the flotilla. Because of this and the patient and thorough instruction he had carried out in the landing technique throughout the training periods and the landings in Algeria and Sicily, the performance of this boat in the assault was most admirable. The conduct of Lieutenant (j.g.) Gill throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.