The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Henry Jacques Armstrong, Jr. (NSN: 0-61068), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. SPENCE (DD-512), during a night surface engagement with a larger Japanese Task Force on the night of 1 – 2 November 1943, at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands. During this period the Task Force, of which the U.S.S. SPENCE was a unit, destroyed two Japanese cruisers and three Japanese destroyers and forced the remainder of the Japanese forces to flee, thereby preventing the Japanese Task Force from reaching our transports in the vicinity and materially contributing to the successful establishment of our beachhead on Bougainville Islands. By his fearlessness, calmness and gallant determination on the exposed bridge of his ship Commander Armstrong set an example of conduct under stress of battle that was an inspiration to his men. His relentless fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, maintained at great risk in the face of grave danger throughout the three- hour battle was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Spence (DD-512)Action Date:
November 24 – 25, 1943
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 Commander Henry Jacques Armstrong, Jr. (NSN: 0-61068), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. SPENCE (DD-512), during a night surface engagement with a Japanese Task Force on the night of 24 -25 November 1943, at Cape St. George during the Battle of Empress August Bay. In this engagement five ships of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (Desron 23), of which the U.S.S. SPENCE was a unit, sank four Japanese ships, seriously damaged another and damaged a sixth before she escaped without loss or damage to our own ships. Commander Armstrong fought his ship with gallant determination and remarkable courage and by his cool aggressive spirit in seeking out and fearlessly engaging a powerful foe of the Japanese Force. His remarkable calmness under fire and reckless disregard of his personal safety in pressing home the attack against the enemy was an inspiration to his brave crew and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Adams (DM-27)Action Date:
March 23 – April 1, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Henry Jacques Armstrong, Jr. (NSN: 0-61068), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ADAMS (DM-27), in support of a group of minesweepers at Okinawa Gunto during the period 23 March 1945 to 1 April 1945. His inspiring leadership consistently maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high peak and made possible an outstanding record of destruction to enemy aircraft and the driving off of many air attacks upon his unit, with the result that their mission was successfully accomplished without loss of, or damage to, the ships being supported. His courage, initiative, and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Henry Jacques Armstrong, Jr. (NSN: 0-61068), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Division of Fleet Minesweepers and later as Commander of a Task Group engaged in “Guinea Pig” operations from 7 May 1945 to 23 December 1945. During this period he displayed outstanding courage and leadership in the sweeping and buoying of enemy minefields in the East China Sea and in Japanese waters. The volunteer “Guinea Pig” duty required him to steam the ships under his command through suspected dangerous areas mined with United States pressure mines in order that the areas might be sufficiently cleared to insure the safe entry of United States Occupational forces to the Empire of Japan. His leadership, courage, and professional ability in the planning and execution of these minesweeping operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Armstrong is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Henry Jacques Armstrong, Jr. (NSN: 0-61068), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN during the period from 9 May 1951 to 7 December 1951, in operations against enemy forces in Korea. Discharging his many responsibilities in an exceptionally efficient manner, Captain Armstrong maintained the Destroyer Squadron in a high state of operational readiness while participating in all phases of operations against the enemy. Displaying a thorough understanding of the Naval mission in the Korean conflict, excellent planning and foresight, and an unswerving devotion to duty, he not only aided in formulating the intricate plans for these actions, but also maintained close liaison with other units and highest echelons and rendered invaluable service in matters concerning Naval operations. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, and steadfast devotion to duty he contributed greatly to the success of the United Nations efforts in Korea. His exemplary conduct throughout these periods reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Armstrong is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)