USS Anthony (DD-515)

USS Heywood L. Edwards (DD-663)

USS Irwin (DD-794)

USS Purdy (DD-734)

“For outstanding heroism as a Fire Support Vessel and Radar Picket Ship during the Okinawa Campaign, from April 1 to 19, 1945, and June 19 to 24, 1945. A natural and frequent target for heavy Japanese aerial attack while occupying advanced and isolated stations, the U.S.S. ANTHONY defeated all efforts of enemy Kamikaze and dive-bombing planes to destroy her. Constantly vigilant and ready for battle, she sent out early air warnings, provided fighter direction and, with her own gunfire, downed eleven hostile planes and routed many more; she furnished close fire support for initial landings and advances and participated in shore bombardment missions, and she rendered valiant service in preventing air attacks in strength against the Naval forces off the Okinawa beachhead. A seaworthy, fighting ship, the ANTHONY, her officers and men achieved a gallant combat record which attests the teamwork, courage and skill of her entire company and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Citation, in part: "For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Saipan-Tinian operations, June 12 to August 2, 1944; Palau, September 6 to 29, 1944; the Battle of Surigao Strait, October 24-25, 1944; Iwo Jima, February 14 to March 9, 1945; and Okinawa, March 21 to April 18, 1945. Operating in the face of continued and persistent air attacks throughout five major campaigns, the U.S.S. HEYWOOD L. EDWARDS blasted Japanese shore emplacements, screened our attacking transports and effectively laid support barrages for amphibious assaults...[D]uring the Okinawa assault, spent 128 days on fire support and radar picket stations, conducting 350 bombardment missions. When several enemy aircraft attacked her fire support group, she scored direct hits on three of the planes and assisted in destroying a fourth, all within ninety seconds."

Citation, in part: "For exceptionally meritorious service during salvage operations after USS PRINCETON had been critically damaged by enemy Japanese action in the Battle off Samar, Republic of the Philippines on 24 October 1944. Undeterred by foul weather, fires raging on the flight deck and hanger decks of the stricken carrier, and a series of violent internal explosions, USS IRWIN (DD 794) gallantly went alongside. Operating in a choppy sea as the wind steadily rose and rain reduced visibility, USS IRWIN rigged her hoses and, despite dense black smoke and the constant danger of falling debris, succeeded in directing them on fires in the forward part of the hanger deck. Later, when a terrific explosion blew off the major portion of USS PRINCETON’S stern, USS IRWIN immediately dispatched boats and stood by at close quarters to assist in the rescue of survivors, recovering 646 men from the sea and from the decks of USS PRINCETON before this carrier was ordered to be sunk. "

"For outstanding heroism in action as a Support Destroyer on Radar Picket Station Number One during an attack by enemy Japanese aerial forces, fifty miles northwest of the Okinawa Transport Area, April 12, 1945. Fighting valiantly against a group of more than thirty hostile aircraft attacking her from all directions, the U.S.S. PURDY sent up relentless barrages of antiaircraft fire during a violent air-sea battle which lasted for one and one-half hours. Repeatedly finding her targets, she downed five enemy planes, assisted in destroying at least two others and, when our fighter direction ship was hit and disabled, assumed emergency control of the combat air patrol. Continuing the engagement until all attacking planes except one had been destroyed or routed, she was crashed with devastating effect by the last remaining Kamikaze. Crippled but undaunted, she fought desperately to control her own damage and, by the prompt an courageous action of all hands, succeeded in returning to port under her own power."