Captain Merle H. Gorder received the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism as pilot of a torpedo plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO, attached to the U.S.S. Hornet, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 20, 1944. Flying beyond the normal combat range of his plane, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, (then Ensign) Gorder carried out a damaging bombing attack and scored a direct hit to damage a large enemy carrier and contribute to the success of the mission. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gorder upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Captain Gorder joined the Legion of Valor in 1976.