Henderson, Richie Neale, LT

Japanese records reported that on 11 October, 1943 the date USS Wahoo (SS-238) was due to exit through La Pérouse Strait, an antisubmarine aircraft sighted a wake and an apparent oil slick from a submerged submarine. The Japanese initiated a combined air and sea attack with numerous depth charges throughout the day. Sawfish had been depth-charged by a patrol boat while transiting the strait two days before, and the enemy's antisubmarine forces were on the alert; their attacks fatally holed Wahoo, and she sank with all hands. She was declared overdue on 2 December 1943 and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 6 December 1943.
 
LT Henderson was a member of the crew. He was listed as missing in action and later declared dead.

Service number: 085127

Silver Star
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Wahoo (SS-238)
General Orders: Board Serial 0559 (March 27, 1944)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Richie Neale Henderson (NSN: 0-85127), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of duty and in a position of great responsibility while serving on the U.S.S. WAHOO (SS-238), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy patrolled waters from 9 September to 11 October 1943. He assisted his Commanding Officer in penetrating dangerous, confined and patrolled enemy waters where he contributed to the known destruction of one important enemy vessel. Other damage inflicted upon the enemy by his submarine in this area is unknown since his vessel failed to return from this patrol and it is presumed that he gave his life for his country. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Silver Star
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01633 (May 6, 1944)
Action Date: World War II
Rank: Lieutenant
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Richie Neale Henderson (NSN: 0-85127), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Torpedo and Diving Officer of the U.S.S. WAHOO (SS-238), during aggressive and highly successful War Patrols in enemy-controlled waters during World War II. His careful and efficient maintenance of the torpedoes directly contributed to his vessel's success in delivering successful torpedo and gun attacks against heavily escorted task forces and convoys, which resulted in the sinking of over 93,000 tons and the damaging of over 30,000 tons of shipping and combatant units. His calmness, judgment, fearlessness, and steadiness were an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.