Malcolm Taber Wordell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Malcolm Taber Wordell, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane deployed over Samar in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944, in the Philippine Islands. Commander Wordell’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were 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 Malcolm Taber Wordell, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Section Leader in Fighting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VF-41), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942. When a force of hostile cruisers and destroyers was observed bearing down upon our transports at Fedala, Lieutenant Wordell led a flight of sixteen planes through terrific anti-aircraft fire to intercept their attack. Pressing home vigorous and persistent strafing raids in support of a furious bombardment from our own surface ships, he contributed materially to the relentless fighting spirit which enabled our forces to set fire to three of the enemy vessels and drive off the others. No longer able to carry on because of severe wounds, he successfully extricated himself from a precarious situation by bringing down his badly damaged plane in a skillful forced landing. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.