CITATION:
“For exceptionally meritorious service and heroism against enemy Japanese aircraft, shore batteries and submarines. Operating in contact with the enemy and under attack, the U.S.S. WARD performed her duties as a World War I destroyer and high speed transport, consistently maintaining a superior degree of efficiency in the performance of her assigned tasks. From the time she fired the first shot of the war at Pearl Harbor until mortally wounded by a Kamikaze attack at Ormoc Bay three years later, the U.S.S. WARD contributed materially to the success of the Pacific Campaign by her offensive action which resulted in the destruction of enemy submarines and several enemy planes. Her courageous determination and effort were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Source: NARA Modern Military Records (NECTM). Textual Archives Services Division.