Duane Hodges

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Fireman Duane Daniel Hodges, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air forces consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When PUEBLO came under fire from these North Korean units, Petty Officer (then Fireman) Hodges, serving in the Engineering Department, rendered invaluable assistance in the face of the intense hostile fire while participating in the unfamiliar task of destroying classified materials. Mortally wounded while carrying out this assignment, Petty Officer Hodges, by his courage, initiative, and inspiring dedication, reflected credit upon himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.