RADM DAVID M. RUBEL, then Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy. For extraordinary heroism as Gunnery Officer of a United States Minelayer during action against enemy Japanese forces in support of operations at Okinawa Gunto, May 3, 1945. With his ship subjected to a series of intense Japanese suicide aerial attacks, Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant) Rubel directed his five-inch gun crews in sending up deadly barrages of anti-aircraft shells against the plunging hostile planes and, maintaining throughout a high standard of fighting efficiency despite personnel casualties and extensive damage to his guns and equipment, succeeded in blasting four of the enemy out of the sky and in damaging many more. Meeting every threat to his vessel and every adverse situation on board with unfailing aggressiveness and indomitable spirit, Lieutenant Commander Rubel led his men in disrupting repeated Japanese attacks and, in addition, organized and directed fire-fighting activities, extinguishing a blazing fire which endangered the magazines. His fearless leadership, great personal courage and unwavering devotion to duty during a long and terrific engagement with enemy suicide aircraft were inspiring to the officers and men of his ship and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Rubel and the United States Naval Service.

Admiral Rubel resides in Southern California.