|
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the
UNITED STATES SHIP JOHNNIE HUTCHINS
for service as follows:
"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese
forces during an Anti-Submarine Patrol in Allied convoy lanes between the Ryukyus and the Philippines, August 9, 1945. Alert and ready for battle when she encountered a nest of midget Japanese
submarines, the U.S.S. JOHNNIE HUTCHINS engaged a surfaced midget submarine and sank it with gunfire at point-blank range. Sighting the periscope of a second submarine, she commenced a run on
this vessel while the first target was still under fire, attacking it with depth charges until contact was no longer available. When she spotted the periscope of another submerged enemy
submarine approximately eight miles from the scene of the first action, she quickly closed to attack and, with several depth charges which exploded in the immediate vicinity, probably sank the hostile
vessel. Emerging unscathed from this hazardous operation, the JOHNNIE HUTCHINS had aided materially in clearing an important convoy lane of a serious underwater threat. Her extraordinary
success in this mission reflects the highest credit upon her gallant officers and men and the United States Naval Service."
All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. JOHNNIE HUTCHINS on August 9, 1945, are authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
Ribbon.
/s/ James Forrestal
JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy
Transcribed by the webmaster from a copy provided by Bob Lamb RdM 3/c
View the Hutchins Medal of Honor on the LST 43 website. Site will open in a new window. |
