Navy Federal Credit Union

After his plywood PT Boat was destroyed by the Japanese when the enemy took control of the Philippines, Ensign Richardson and a dozen Americans set out in a native outrigger to sail the 1,300 miles to Australia. The boat sunk in a storm. Richardson swam for 24 hours to the town of Cantilan on the island of Mindanao. For three years, he worked in the guerrilla movement based on Leyte, becoming Chief of Staff to its leader, Colonel Ruperto Kangleon.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3)

    Action Date:

    1942

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Iliff David Richardson, United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3),, in action in the Philippine Islands in 1942. Ensign Richardson’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3)

    Action Date:

    March 11 – 13, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Order No. 43 (March 15, 1942) & Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Army Award) to Ensign Iliff David Richardson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Ensign Richardson performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.