Eugene B. Mckinney

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Eugene B. McKinney, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 May 1942 to 24 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander McKinney brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Eugene B. McKinney, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), on 6 to 12 October 1943, during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander McKinney brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Eugene B. McKinney, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SALMON (SS-182), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 November 1941 to 13 February 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Philippine Islands. On 22 December, while on the surface in the Lingayen Gulf, the SALMON encountered two Japanese destroyers and pressed home an attack which seemed to bewilder the reluctant enemy. She succeeded in damaging both targets by delivering a “down the throat” spread of torpedoes which caught them as they veered course in opposite directions. She then was able to avoid further contact by ducking into a rain squall. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander McKinney brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.