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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander John Cozine Broach (NSN: 0-61340), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAKE (SS-256), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 23 May to 11 July 1944. In waters in the immediate vicinity of an important enemy base, opposed by strong air and surface anti-submarine units, he courageously and skillfully attacked and destroyed enemy shipping, sinking a destroyer, a freighter, a transport vessel, and small craft, totaling 14,510 tons, and damaged an SAV or 10,000 tons. He skillfully maneuvered his ship to evade depth charging and gunfire by enemy escort vessels and brought it safely back to port. His conduct and actions throughout were exemplary and inspiring, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hake (SS-256)

    Action Date:

    December 27, 1943 – February 21, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01052 (May 7, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Cozine Broach (NSN: 0-61340), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAKE (SS-256), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 December 1943 to 21 February 1943, in enemy controlled waters. Commander Broach courageously and skillfully maneuvered his vessel into position from which to strike the enemy and aggressively attacked in the face of heavy and persistent enemy counter measures, sinking three enemy vessels totaling 16,472 tons and damaging an additional three vessels totaling 18,000 tons. Further, he sank one sampan and sloop by gunfire. He handled his ship expertly to avoid damage from enemy countermeasures and brought her safely to port without injury to ship or crew. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hake (SS-256)

    Action Date:

    March 18 – April 30, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Cozine Broach (NSN: 0-61340), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAKE (SS-256), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 18 March 1944 to 30 April 1944. Despite the hazards imposed by shallow waters he aggressively attacked enemy shipping at every opportunity and succeeded in delivering determined attacks resulting in sinking two large tankers totaling 20,405 tons and in damaging one vessel of 6,000 tons. He skillfully evaded severe depth charging and gunfire by strong enemy escorts. His conduct and action throughout were an inspiration to the officers and men of his vessel and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.