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 Hugh Jack Martin (NSN: 0-58664), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces while serving as Commander Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-ONE with Flag in the U.S.S. HALL during the extended operations in the vicinity of Okinawa from 25 March to 24 April 1945. With his ships under constant threat of attack by enemy air, surface and submarine forces, shore installations and suicidal small craft, Captain Martin directed his command with courage, skill and forcefulness, contributing to the success of Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-ONE in destroying Japanese gun emplacements, trucks, tanks and pillboxes, and in dispersing troop concentrations with accurate gunfire. Consistently maintaining a high level of fighting efficiency in his ships despite aerial attacks in which the HALL shot down two hostile planes and assisted in shooting down another, Captain Martin, by his aggressive tactics, leadership and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
December 7, 1941 – September 11, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Hugh Jack Martin (NSN: 0-58664), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period from 7 December 1941 to 11 September 1942, as Aide and Flag Secretary to Commander Cruisers Battle Force, then to Commander Anzac Force, and finally to Commander Southwest Pacific Force. Captain Martin participated in the defense of Pearl Harbor against the Japanese raid on 7 December 1941, and in a carrier Task Force patrol in Central Pacific waters in January 1942 as Aide and Flag Secretary to Commander Cruisers Battle Force. His services during these early weeks of the war were a distinct contribution to the successful accomplishment of organizational and administrative tasks made necessary by the sudden transition to active war operations. Later, as Aide and Flag Secretary to Commander Anzac Force, then to Commander Southwest Pacific Force, he continued to render outstanding services in resolving the many and varied organizational and administrative problems encountered in setting up the machinery for most effective cooperation with other United States and Allied forces. Captain Martin’s initiative and judgment, combined with his capacity for accurate analysis, were of great value in the planning and preparation for successful operations against the enemy. His outstanding performance of duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Destroyer Squadron 51Action Date:
December 15, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02968 (May 22, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Hugh Jack Martin (NSN: 0-58664), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-ONE, operating as Commander of the Screen and Bombardment Unit, SEVENTH Amphibious Force, during the landing at enemy Japanese-controlled San Jose, Mindoro, Philippine Islands, on 15 December 1944. A superb seaman, maneuvering boldly through restricted and uncharted waters, Captain Martin fought his ships with daring aggressiveness and, by his brilliant professional skill in countering heavy Japanese aerial attack, enabled the powerful guns of his unit to aid in the destruction of ten hostile planes. Under his forceful direction, accurate and devastating bombardment of the beaches and flanks effectively neutralized shore guns and made possible the unchallenged landing of Army troops. His heroic devotion to the fulfillment of a vital mission reflects the highest credit upon Captain Martin and the United States Naval Service.