Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pratt Victory & U.S.S. Marathon

    Action Date:

    September 1945 – February 1946

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Jesse Holdridge Bloodworth (NSN: 0-71170), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PRATT VICTORY and the U.S.S. MARATHON, during minesweeping operations in the channels of the Japanese Home Island, from September 1945 to February 1946. One of the original volunteers for this hazardous duty, Commander Bloodworth rendered valuable assistance by directing his ships through dangerous waters to determine the presence of pressure mines, thereby insuring the safe entry of United States Occupation forces to the Empire of Japan. By his leadership, courage and professional ability, he contributed materially to the success of these “Guinea Pig” operations, and his devotion to the completion of his tasks was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.