This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Grider, George William, CAPT USN(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Memphis, TN
Last Address Memphis, TN
Date of Passing Mar 20, 1991
Location of Interment Memphis National Cemetery (VA) - Memphis, Tennessee
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the
UNITED STATES SHIP HAWKBILL
For service as follows:
"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese shipping and combatant units during her First War Patrol in the Luzon Straits and South China Sea from September 9 to October 10, 1944; her Second War Patrol from November 15, 1944 to January 5, 1945; her Third War Patrol in the Java and South China Seas from February 4 to April 6, 1945; and her Fourth War Patrol in the Gulf of Siam and South China Sea from May 5 to June 18, 1945. Ferreting out the enemy in dangerously shallow and heavily mined waters, the U.S.S. HAWKBILL launched a series of skillfully executed torpedo and gun attacks and destroyed or extensively damaged sixteen vessels, including two destroyers and a large minelayer, for a total of 40,200 tons. Brilliantly evading numerous depth charges she persistently resurfaced and, holding tenaciously to her targets, quickly maneuvered to strike again with devastating force. She later successfully performed a highly important and hazardous special mission in the narrow confines of Lombok Strait, conducting a series of audacious secret weapon attacks on hostile shallow draft vessels. Despite relentless opposition, the HAWKBILL contributed in large part to the successful blockade of the Indo China coast and toward severing the all important sea lanes between the Empire and her southern conquests, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon herself, her gallant officers and men and upon the United States Naval Service."
All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. HAWKBILL during the above mentioned periods are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.
