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2012 SESSION
WHEREAS, retired Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler, United States Navy, of Alexandria, a highly decorated officer, former director of the National Security Agency, and former head of the United States Pacific Command, died on July 14, 2011; and
WHEREAS, a native of Alabama, Ensign Gayler graduated from the United States Naval Academy before embarking on an exemplary military career that spanned more than four decades; and
WHEREAS, a pilot, Ensign Gayler served onboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific during World War II, where he shot down five Japanese planes and received numerous medals for his heroic actions; he was the first person in history to receive three Navy Crosses, a distinction he gained simultaneously with a fellow pilot during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Commander Gayler witnessed firsthand the destruction of nuclear warfare after flying over Hiroshima six days after the first atomic bomb was dropped; he also viewed nuclear testing at Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific; and
WHEREAS, an admired officer, Admiral Gayler served his country with great distinction in a variety of positions, including as deputy director of Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff at Offutt Air Force Base and director of the National Security Agency under President Richard M. Nixon; and
WHEREAS, in 1972, Admiral Gayler became head of the United States Pacific Command, where he served as the American military adviser to the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization and oversaw the American bombing campaign against North Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, following a distinguished military career, Admiral Gayler remained active in international security affairs, graciously contributing his extensive experience, expertise, and insight to numerous organizations, including the American Committee on East-West Accord; and
WHEREAS, Admiral Gayler’s experiences with the effects of nuclear weapons profoundly affected him; he later wrote about his experiences and thoughts and advocated for nuclear disarmament; and
WHEREAS, a man of enormous strength of character, bravery, and intelligence, Admiral Gayler served his country with extraordinary devotion; and
WHEREAS, Admiral Gayler will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Jeanne; children, Alexander, Christopher, Caroline, Deborah, and Anne, and their families; stepchildren, Scott, Logan, and Jeanne, and their families; and his numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a dedicated soldier and respected citizen of the Commonwealth, retired Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler, United States Navy; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of retired Admiral Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler, United States Navy, as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.