“For outstanding heroism in action as a Fighter Direction ship on Radar Picket duty during the Okinawa Campaign, May 14 to June 16, 1945. A natural and frequent target of the heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying advanced and isolated stations, the U.S.S. BRADFORD defeated all efforts of enemy Kamikaze and dive-bombing planes to destroy her. Vigilant and ready for battle, she sent out early air warnings, provided fighter direction and, with her own gunfire downed five hostile planes, routed many more and rendered valiant service in preventing the Japanese from striking in force the Naval Forces off the Okinawa beachhead. A gallant fighting ship, the BRADFORD, her officers and her men withstood the stress and perils of vital Radar Picket duty, achieving a distinctive combat record which attests the teamwork, courage and skill of her entire company and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Division.
