Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Shipfitter

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Shipfitter James Edward Hannigan, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Petty Officer Hannigan was attached to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team 40 under the operational control of Commander, United States Naval Support Activity, DaNang. At 0345 on 21 February 1969, he was called to the Naval Support Activity Detachment, Cua Viet, Small Boat Harbor to search for the body of a sailor missing as the result of an explosion and sinking of Mechanized Landing Craft 6 boat by an enemy mine. He donned self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and entered the water despite darkness, unfamiliarity with the area and an underwater sapper attack in progress. He searched the bottom of the harbor and with another Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team member retrieved the first Russian limpet mine in Vietnam. Despite the lack of available information on the limpet mine and its arming devices, he assisted in disarming the mine. He reentered the water and continued to search the bottom of all boats, ensuring they could safely be re-manned and removed from the danger area. Approximately five minutes after he left the water again, two major explosions occurred in the harbor. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he once again entered the water and completed checking the boats at Pusher Boat Causeway. He then crossed the Cua Viet River to recover the body of a North Vietnamese Army sapper team diver with two fragmentation grenades lashed to him. He rendered the grenades safe and recovered a complete Russian closed-circuit oxygen diving apparatus which was of great value to United States intelligence efforts. Working tirelessly for another eight hours to ensure the safety of the men in the boars and one the piers, Chief Petty Officer Hannigan’s personal courage in the face of extreme hazards, professional dedication and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.