Noel Gayler

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Noel Gayler as a Captain

Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (born December 25, 1913 at Birmingham, Alabama) was an officer in the United States Navy and a 1935 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He served as the sixth Director of the National Security Agency from 1969 to 1972, and ninth Commander of Pacific Command from 1972 to 1976. Gayler was awarded three Navy Cross medals as a World War II flying ace and is credited with five aerial victories while flying for VF-2 and VF-3.

According to Navy Personnel nformation Bulletin No. 304 (dated July 1942),^[1] Admiral Gayler was awarded the Navy Cross as a Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for "extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Division Leader and as Pilot of an airplane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the USS 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."

Preceded by Marshall Carter	Director of the National Security Agency 1969–1972	Succeeded by Samuel C. Phillips
Preceded by John S. McCain, Jr.	Commander, United States Pacific Command 1972–1976	Succeeded by Maurice F. Weisner

[edit] Reference

v • d • e Directors of the National Security Agency

Canine • Samford • Frost • Blake • Carter • Gayler • Phillips • Allen • Inman • Faurer • Odom • Studeman • McConnell • Minihan • Hayden • Alexander