Samuel Hugh Alexander

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Samuel Hugh Alexander, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of the U.S.S. LST THREE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (LST-313), during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily on 10 July 1943. After beaching his ship at the assigned point near Gela, Lieutenant Alexander was disembarking assault troops and vehicles when enemy aircraft bombed his vessel, setting fire to the cargo of ammunition, land mines, and other inflammable material loaded in trucks. With great courage, he skillfully directed the fighting of the blaze and the rescue and transfer of all survivors, many of whom had been severely burned and injured from the terrific explosion. By his prompt and gallant action, Lieutenant Alexander temporarily checked the spreading of the fire and saved the lives of many of the embarked personnel who otherwise might have been lost. Lieutenant Alexander’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 327 (June 1944)