Thank you for the reply. I wish the IRS guidance was clearer for something this important.
The company that manages my 401K provided this link to the IRS web site which also appears to indicate that I could separate any time in the year I turn 55 and be exempt from the early withdrawal penalty:
https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-exceptions-to-tax-o...
| Separation from service | the employee separates from service during or after the year the employee reaches age 55 (age 50 for public safety employees of a state, or political subdivision of a state, in a governmental defined benefit or defined contribution plan) |
