Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PICKING (DD-685), in action against the enemy on 18 May 1945, during the assault and occupation of Okinawa. Gallantly responding to the need for assistance by a friendly destroyer grounded on a reef within one mile of the hostile coast, Commander Semmes skillfully maneuvered his ship through the hazardous, obstructed waters in a determined attempt to re-float the stricken vessel. Unsuccessful in this mission because of inadequate towing facilities and with both ships highly vulnerable under the sudden attack by hostile shore batteries, Commander Semmes promptly countered the enemy's devastating fire with powerful blasts from the PICKING's heavy guns, handling his ship superbly to evade the shattering barrages while screening the damaged destroyer. Again closing the helpless vessel, he daringly stood by, continuing his fierce and relentless bombardment of opposing shore emplacements and rendering heroic service in the rescue of personnel. His alert initiative, aggressive determination and inspiring leadership under enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Commander Semmes and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor:
BarryC
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PICKING (DD-685), in action against the enemy on 18 May 1945, during the assault and occupation of Okinawa. Gallantly responding to the need for assistance by a friendly destroyer grounded on a reef within one mile of the hostile coast, Commander Semmes skillfully maneuvered his ship through the hazardous, obstructed waters in a determined attempt to re-float the stricken vessel. Unsuccessful in this mission because of inadequate towing facilities and with both ships highly vulnerable under the sudden attack by hostile shore batteries, Commander Semmes promptly countered the enemy's devastating fire with powerful blasts from the PICKING's heavy guns, handling his ship superbly to evade the shattering barrages while screening the damaged destroyer. Again closing the helpless vessel, he daringly stood by, continuing his fierce and relentless bombardment of opposing shore emplacements and rendering heroic service in the rescue of personnel. His alert initiative, aggressive determination and inspiring leadership under enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Commander Semmes and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor:
BarryC
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PICKING (DD-685), in action against the enemy on 18 May 1945, during the assault and occupation of Okinawa. Gallantly responding to the need for assistance by a friendly destroyer grounded on a reef within one mile of the hostile coast, Commander Semmes skillfully maneuvered his ship through the hazardous, obstructed waters in a determined attempt to re-float the stricken vessel. Unsuccessful in this mission because of inadequate towing facilities and with both ships highly vulnerable under the sudden attack by hostile shore batteries, Commander Semmes promptly countered the enemy's devastating fire with powerful blasts from the PICKING's heavy guns, handling his ship superbly to evade the shattering barrages while screening the damaged destroyer. Again closing the helpless vessel, he daringly stood by, continuing his fierce and relentless bombardment of opposing shore emplacements and rendering heroic service in the rescue of personnel. His alert initiative, aggressive determination and inspiring leadership under enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Commander Semmes and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor:
BarryC
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Benedict Joseph Semmes, Jr. (NSN: 0-73394), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PICKING (DD-685), in action against the enemy on 18 May 1945, during the assault and occupation of Okinawa. Gallantly responding to the need for assistance by a friendly destroyer grounded on a reef within one mile of the hostile coast, Commander Semmes skillfully maneuvered his ship through the hazardous, obstructed waters in a determined attempt to re-float the stricken vessel. Unsuccessful in this mission because of inadequate towing facilities and with both ships highly vulnerable under the sudden attack by hostile shore batteries, Commander Semmes promptly countered the enemy's devastating fire with powerful blasts from the PICKING's heavy guns, handling his ship superbly to evade the shattering barrages while screening the damaged destroyer. Again closing the helpless vessel, he daringly stood by, continuing his fierce and relentless bombardment of opposing shore emplacements and rendering heroic service in the rescue of personnel. His alert initiative, aggressive determination and inspiring leadership under enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Commander Semmes and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor:
BarryC
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
