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Contact Info
Home Town Carrolton, MS
Last Address Philadelphia, PA
Date of Passing Nov 22, 1985
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Chevalier (DD-451)
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321 (December 1943)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Ephraim Rankin McLean, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 4 and 5 July 1943. Commander McLean placed his ship alongside a vessel which had been torpedoed, and directed hazardous rescue operations. Although his ship was subjected to intense fire from coastal batteries, he continued his rescue efforts until 75% of the personnel had been saved. Commander McLean's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.