The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Henry Farrow (NSN: 0-60368), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Task Unit Commander and later as a Task Group Commander of the Mine Force, FIFTH Fleet, engaged in the minesweeping operations in the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea and the Japanese Empire waters from July 1945 to 2 December 1945. He commanded a Task Unit during the sweeping of moored minefield “SKAGWAY” in the East China Sea, a Task Unit during the sweeping of moored minefield “ARCADIA” between the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, and the opening of the port of Jinsen, Korea; and a Task Group during the sweeping of the approaches to Nagasaki and Sasebo, Japan, for both moored and U.S. influenced mines. By his courage, leadership, and ability, he was primarily responsible for the success of these operations which were conducted for the purpose of providing safe entrance to the United States occupation forces. His outstanding service and performance of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Farrow is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderAction Date:
August 22 & November 27 – 28, 1943
Commander South Pacific: Serial 00360 (January 31, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Henry Farrow (NSN: 0-60368), United States Navy, for courageous leadership and gallantry in action while in Command of Motor Torpedo Boat FIVE (TB-5), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron FIVE (MTB-5), and other PT’s assigned to him in the New Georgia and Bougainville Campaign. Commander Farrow personally led numerous PT patrols during this period and planned the operations of his units which harassed and engaged enemy barrages, aircraft and shore installations resulting in considerable damage to enemy equipment and casualties to enemy personnel. On 22 August 1943 Commander Farrow personally led a group of three PT’s on a daylight raid into Elliot Cove, Kolombangara Island to destroy enemy barges and shore installations. Although engaged by heavy enemy gunfire from numerous and superior weapons in concealed positions ashore until forced to withdraw. This they accomplished with a minimum of personnel casualties and only minor damage to material. On the night of 27 – 28 November 1943, Commander Farrow personally led a force of three PT’s to evacuate a coastwatcher party from Cape Bon Bon, New Ireland. The successful accomplishment of this mission in an area completely occupied, fortified and dominated by the enemy without contact with enemy forces was brilliantly planned and executed. Commander Farrow’s inspiring leadership, courageous actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Smith (DD-378)Action Date:
April 22 – May 11, 1945
Commander Mine Craft Pacific Fleet: Serial 8228 (October 9, 1946)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 Captain Henry Farrow (NSN: 0-60368), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378) at Okinawa Gunto during the period 22 April 1945 to 11 May 1945. He kept his ship operating at the peak of fighting ability during this entire period while on exceptionally hazardous radar picket duty. His leadership and skill; and heroic action In the face of the possible destruction of his ship at any time contributed materially to keeping his ship in action against the enemy and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.