Commander Alan Reed McCracken (NSN: 0-57658), 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 his recovery by U.S. Forces which liberated the Bilibid Prison Camp on 5 February 1945.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Navy Cross
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Mindanao (PR-8)Action Date:
December 7, 1941 – April 28, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Alan Reed McCracken (NSN: 0-57658), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the River Gunboat U.S.S. MINDANAO (PR-8), in action against the enemy during the period 7 December to 22 December 1941, and 30 December 1941 to 28 April 1942. While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Commander McCracken directed the anti-aircraft batteries of his ship and conducted operations of strategic importance involving hazardous missions such as to bring great credit to his command and the United States Naval Service.