Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Gayler intercepted and shot down an enemy seaplane fighter. He then pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing and strafing attack on two enemy destroyers, causing many personnel casualties. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 305 (August 1942)

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 Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. Due to his skill and aggressiveness, his zeal and courage as an airman, and his utter disregard for his own life, Lieutenant Gayler succeeded in destroying two enemy Japanese aircraft and in damaging two others. His courageous action contributed materially to the defense of our forces. Lieutenant Gayler’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF3), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. In the face of heavy antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Gayler intercepted a formation of nine enemy aircraft and succeeded in shooting down one twin-engine bomber and a seaplane fighter, and aided in the destruction of two other twin-engine bombers, and bombed and strafed two enemy destroyers. Lieutenant Gayler’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)