Richard R. Pratt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Richard R. Pratt, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HUDSON (DD-475) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa Gunto on 4 May 1945. When a nearby friendly escort aircraft carrier was set afire by a Japanese suicide plane, causing numerous explosions, intense heat and suffocating smoke, Commander Pratt placed his destroyer alongside the maneuvering and blazing vessel. Despite fires aboard his own ship when a jettisoned plane ignited among the depth charges, he continued to assist the flaming carrier and contributed materially to the extinguishing of the flames and to saving the stricken ship. By his leadership, courage and devotion to duty, Commander Pratt upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard R. Pratt, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HUDSON (DD-475), during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, from April 1 to 5 May 1945. With the Hudson operating as fighter director ship on radar picket station, Commander Pratt fought his ship with outstanding skill and courage during a prolonged period of time while subjected to numerous day and night aerial attacks. On one occasion, when seventeen suicide planes attacked his vessel, he heroically directed his men in repelling the onslaught, thereby averting damage to the vessel and maintaining the HUDSON in operation at a most critical time. By his aggressive leadership, perseverance and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the safety of our forces ashore, and his gallant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)