Navy Federal Credit Union

Pemberton Southard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1941. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S. Destroyer

    Action Date:

    August 6 – 7, 1943

    Board Serial 2856 (May 5, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Pemberton Southard (NSN: 0-100378), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as the Executive Officer of a destroyer during the engagement with Japanese naval forces in Vella Gulf, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 6 – 7 August 1943. Lieutenant Southard, by his skillful and accurate control of the Combat Information Center, immediately finished the necessary data to the gunning stations which enabled them to inflict severe damage on the enemy and materially aided in the sinking of one Japanese cruiser and three destroyers by the Task Force of which his ship was a unit. His courageous actions taken with complete disregard for his own safety, during the hazardous night engagement were an inspiration to those aboard his vessel and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.