“For outstanding heroism in action as a Fighter Direction Ship on a Radar Picket Station during the Okinawa Campaign, from April 20 to June 30, 1945. A natural and frequent target for heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying advanced and isolated stations, the U.S.S. GAINARD defeated all efforts of enemy Kamikaze and dive-bombing planes to destroyer her. Constantly vigilant and ready for battle, she sent out early air warnings, provided fighter direction and, with her own gunfire, downed four hostile planes, shared in the destruction of at least one other, routed many more and severely damaged a suicide plane which crashed close aboard. A gallant, fighting ship, the GAINARD, her officers and her men withstood the stress and perils of vital Radar Picket duty to prevent the Japanese from striking in force the Naval Forces off the Okinawa beachhead, 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.
