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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Commander Francis Joseph Bridget (NSN: 0-19086), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to his fellow prisoners of war in the hold of the Japanese Prison Ship, Oraku-Maru, from the time it sailed from Manila, 13 December 1944 until shortly before the ship was sunk off Olongapo on 15 December 1944. Commander Bridget helped maintain sufficient discipline among the half-mad, panic stricken prisoners in the hold when the ship was first bombed. Such an attempt would have resulted in the mass slaughter of the prisoners by the Japanese. At considerable risk to himself, Commander Bridget, who can speak some Japanese, made persistent requests to the Japanese to alleviate the conditions of the prisoners in the hold. While he was not successful he tried as well as anyone could to persuade the Japanese to open the ventilators that the prisoners might not smother to death; to provide food, to provide water that the men might not die from thirst and dehydration; to provide sanitary facilities and to remove the bodies of the some 200 prisoners who had already smothered in the hold.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Patrol Wing 10

    Action Date:

    December 1941

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Francis Joseph Bridget (NSN: 0-19086), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on the Staff of the Commander of Patrol Wing TEN (PatWing 10), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Mariveles Area in December 1941. Although subjected to repeated and sustained enemy aerial attacks, Commander Bridget rendered outstanding services under the extremely hazardous and difficult conditions existing in that area. His skillful leadership and complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – December 15, 1944
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Commander Francis Joseph Bridget (NSN: 0-19086), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until in death in captivity on or about 15 December 1944.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Quail (AM-15)

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1942
    General Orders No. 16 (January 28, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Commander Francis Joseph Bridget (NSN: 0-19086), United States Navy, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Longoskawayan Point, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 29 January 1942. On his own initiative and volition, and despite the hazards of hostile aerial attack and artillery fire, Commander Bridget accompanied an expedition aboard the U.S.S. QUAIL (AM-15), with the mission in conjunction with ground troops, of dislodging enemy forces established in a strategic area. The display of fearless devotion to duty revealed by this officer during the entire operation, as well as his superior seamanship and gunner, contributed in a large measure to the successful destruction of enemy forces in the position. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.