USS Rall DE 304

US Navy Unit Commendation
 

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the UNITED STATES SHIP RALL for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION

“For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces while on anti-submarine patrol northwest of Okinawa on April 12, 1945. Subjected to a coordinated attack by five enemy suicide planes, the U.S.S. RALL fought gallantly and, by repeated direct hits, succeeded in severely damaging the first plane which struck on the starboard side, killing or wounding the entire crew of a three-inch mount. When the 500-pound bomb carried by the colliding aircraft penetrated the hull just below the main deck, passed completely through the ship and exploded fourteen feet away, showering the entire port side with shrapnel, the RALL sustained heavy personnel and material casualities. As repair parties aggressively controlled the damage, the gun crews of this gallant ship delivered effective fire in local control, shot down three of the other attacking planes, and drove off the last one. The courage, perseverance, and indomitable fighting spirit of her officers and men in saving their ship while under concentrated air attack reflects great credit on the U.S.S. RALL and the United States Naval Service.”

All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. Rall during one or more of the designated periods are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION RIBBON.

(Signed) JOHN L. SULLIVAN
Secretary of the Navy
 

Courtesy of the USS Rall DE 304 Web Site