THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

The President of the United States takes pleasure in commending the

UNITED STATES SHIP PRICHETT

for service as follows:

“For outstanding heroism as a Fighter Direction Ship on Radar Picket duty during the Okinawa Campaign, from March 24 to April 7, 1945; and May 8 to August 13, 1945. A natural and frequent target for heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying advanced and isolated stations, the USS PRICHETT defeated all efforts of enemy Kamikaze and dive-bombing planes to destroy her. Constantly vigilant and ready for battle, she sent out early air warnings, provided fighter direction, and, with her own gun-fire, downed six hostile planes, shared in the destruction of several others and routed many more. During the furious night action of July 30, she rendered invaluable assistance in protecting the damaged CALLAGHAN from further enemy suicide attacks and, although herself hit by a Kamikaze while rendering aid, stood by the CALLAGHAN for three additional hours to furnish protection and assist in recovering survivors. A seaworthy, fighting ship, the PRICHETT, her officers and men withstood the stress and perils of vital radar picket duty to aid in preventing air attacks in strength against the Naval forces off the Okinawa beachhead, thus achieving a gallant combat record which reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.”



For the President,

/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy


Source: Shipmate Terry Crawford.