Richard F. Breckenridge

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard F. Breckenridge, Quartermaster Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the U.S.S. CUTTLEFISH (SS-171), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters on 27 August 1942. On that date the CUTTLEFISH was underway in enemy controlled waters when the approach of Japanese naval units forced her to crash dive. The wheel of the locks for the hatch leading from the deck to the conning tower became jammed, however, and the hatch would not close sufficiently to keep out the seas. Quartermaster Second Class Breckenridge refused to leave his station and go below until he succeeded in securing the hatch. By his action, Quartermaster Second Class Breckenridge, risking drowning, saved the conning tower instruments from damage from the seas and enabled the submarine to continue on patrol during which 29,500 tons of Japanese shipping were sunk. The conduct of Quartermaster Second Class Breckenridge throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 314 (May 1943)