The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard Ellington Hawes (NSN: 0-43128), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Minesweeper U.S.S. PIGEON (AM-47), in combat against enemy Japanese forces during the bombardment of Cavite Navy Yard, Philippine Islands, on 10 December 1941. Despite the heavy bombing, strafing, detonations of air flasks and warheads, and fires in the immediate vicinity, Lieutenant Commander Hawes, lacking the use of regular steering equipment then under overhaul at the Navy Yard, successfully towed the disabled submarine SEADRAGON clear of the dangerous area and by his skillful maneuvering saved both his ship and a submarine for further offensive war service. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Hawes throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.