Noel Gayler

Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler (/ˈɡaɪlər/ GHY-lər; December 25, 1913 – July 14, 2011) was an admiral in the United States Navy, who 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. Gayler was an ardent advocate for nuclear disarmament.

Noel A. M. Gayler
Born	(1913-12-25)December 25, 1913 Birmingham, Alabama
Died	July 14, 2011(2011-07-14) (aged 97) Alexandria, Virginia
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1935–1976
Rank	Admiral
Commands	United States Pacific Command USS Ranger USS Greenwich Bay VX-3 VF-12
Battles / wars	World War II Cold War Vietnam War
Awards	Navy Cross (3) Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal

Gayler died July 14, 2011, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Awards and decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Admiral Noel A. M. Gayler:

Naval Aviator Badge
1st Row	Navy Cross with two Gold Stars						Defense Distinguished Service Medal
2nd Row	Navy Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star			Legion of Merit with Gold Star			Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device
3rd Row	Navy Expeditionary Medal			American Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp			American Campaign Medal
4th Row	Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with seven Service stars			World War II Victory Medal			Navy Occupation Service Medal
5th Row	National Defense Service Medal with service star			Order of Cultural Merit (Korea), 2nd class			Philippine Defense Medal
6th Row	Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze stars			Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon			Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon

See also

• Gray Eagle Award