“For outstanding heroism in action as a Fighter Direction Ship on Radar Picket duty at Okinawa, May 4, 1945. Promptly opening fire on a group of more than forty Japanese planes which penetrated our aircraft screen to attack the ships of the radar picket station, the U.S.S. MORRISON skillfully fought off the determined attackers for over an hour and, with her own gunfire, shot down five aircraft before they could complete suicide dives. Maintaining a steady barrage against the overwhelming force, she gallantly continued in action despite severe damage from four suicide planes which struck her in rapid successions, fighting resolutely until she went down shortly after the last hit. Her sturdy and valiant service under a prolonged suicide bombing attack contributed to the effective defense of our ships and reflects the highest credit upon the MORRISON, her courageous officers and men and the United States Naval Service.”
Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Divison.
