“For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Saipan-Tinian operations, June 12 to August 2, 1944; Palau, September 6 to 29, 1944; the Battle of Surigao Strait, October 24–25, 1944; Iwo Jima, February 14 to March 9, 1945; and Okinawa, March 21 to April 18, 1945. Operating in the face of continued and persistent air attacks throughout five major campaigns, the U.S.S. BRYANT blasted Japanese shore emplacements, screened our attacking transports and effectively laid support barrages for amphibious assaults. During the night action of October 24, she played a prominent part in the Battle of Surigao Strait and, with her accurate gun and torpedo fire, rendered invaluable assistance to the utter defeat of the Japanese Fleet units in this area. As Flagship of Destroyer Division ONE HUNDRED TWELVE, at Iwo Jima, the BRYANT provided close fire support for beach reconnaissance, underwater demolition teams and minesweeping operations. Subjected to a coordinated torpedo attack by six enemy suicide planes while on radar picket duty at Okinawa, she promptly downed three of these planes and succeeded in damaging a fourth before it crashed and exploded on deck. Undaunted by extensive damage, she quickly recovered from the initial blow and, standing ready to repel further attacks, continued on her mission to aid the stricken LAFFEY. A gallant fighting ship, the BRYANT, her officers and men withstood the tress and perils of fire support duty to render distinctive service and sustain the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”