The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Osbourne Bennett Hardison, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during action against enemy Japanese forces north of Santa Cruz Islands, on 26 October 1942. Although subjected to terrific enemy dive-bombing and torpedo attack, Captain Hardison skillfully maneuvered to save the ENTERPRISE from serious damage or destruction and by his brilliant tactics and expert seamanship succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface vessels and aircraft. His distinguished leadership and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
April 21, 1943 – January 10, 1944
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (April 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Osbourne Bennett Hardison, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Fleet Air, South Pacific, from 21 April 1943 to 10 January 1944.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
January 13, 1944 – September 11, 1945
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 355 (October 1946)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Osbourne Bennett Hardison, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Air primary Training from 13 January 1944 to 11 September 1945.