Arthur Murray Preston

Arthur Murray Preston, Medal of Honor recipient and distinguished United States Naval Reserve officer, risked everything to rescue a fellow sailor from a heavily defended Japanese position. On 16 September 1944, he led two patrol torpedo boats through mined waters and intense enemy gunfire to save a downed Navy pilot trapped near the Japanese-held coast of Halmahera Island. His extraordinary courage during one of World War II's most hazardous small-boat rescue missions earned him the Medal of Honor.

Born on 1 November 1913 in Washington, D.C., Arthur Murray Preston graduated from Yale University and the University of Virginia before establishing himself as a practising lawyer in his hometown. In September 1940, he joined the Navy's V-7 Naval Reserve training programme. Following his training at Northwestern University's Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School, he was commissioned as an ensign in March 1941. His early service included Motor Boat Submarine Chaser Squadron One, specialist training at the U.S. Naval Torpedo School and Packard Marine Engine School, and assignment to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron One in Hawaii. He was serving there when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.

Promoted to lieutenant by the end of 1942, Preston subsequently served as an instructor with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 4 in Newport, Rhode Island. In October 1943, he assumed command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33 and led his unit into the Pacific theatre. His defining moment came during the Morotai operation on 16 September 1944. When a Navy pilot was shot down near Wasile Bay, Preston volunteered for a rescue mission that others had been unable to complete. Commanding PT-489 and PT-363, he navigated approximately 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined waters. Japanese coastal batteries repeatedly forced his boats to withdraw, but he pressed forward under the protection of an aircraft-laid smoke screen. At close range, his boats recovered the stranded pilot under vicious enemy fire. During their escape, his force also sank a small hostile cargo vessel with 40-mm gunfire. After two and a half hours under continuous attack, he brought both boats and their crews to safety without personnel casualties.

The official Medal of Honor citation recognised Preston's conspicuous gallantry, exceptional daring and personal valor, declaring that his actions enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. His leadership continued to make an impact during the preparations for the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Surigao Strait. By December 1944, he had become senior squadron commander for motor torpedo boats in the Philippine Islands and operations officer for PT boats in the Leyte area. He subsequently participated in further operations and landings throughout the Southern Visayas during the winter and spring of 1945.

His wartime service was recognised through the Medal of Honor, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze engagement stars, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star. President Harry S. Truman personally presented Preston with the Medal of Honor at the White House on 19 December 1947.

After returning to civilian life, Preston resumed his legal practice in Washington, D.C., while continuing his connection with the Navy in the inactive reserves. He had been promoted to lieutenant commander in July 1945 and was later promoted to commander upon his retirement in 1953. Arthur Murray Preston died on 7 January 1968 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and was laid to rest with full military honours at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arthur Murray Preston's legacy is defined by more than his distinguished naval career. His decision to lead a rescue mission into overwhelming enemy fire demonstrated the extraordinary responsibility he felt toward the lives of his fellow servicemen. His courage at Wasile Bay remains a remarkable example of leadership, sacrifice and devotion to duty in the history of the United States Navy.