The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Hockett Hazzard (NSN: 0-75034), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLENNY (SS-324), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 February 1945 to 27 March 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Aggressively seeking out the enemy’s shipping, Commander Hazzard launched well-planned attacks on enemy convoys on 20 and 22 February but, as a result of the enemy’s successful evasive measures, missed all targets. In three attacks on 26 February, he sank one large tanker and damaged two more and, on 20 March, he destroyed three cargo ships. When the enemy countered with a depth-charge attack, Commander Hazzard coolly maneuvered his vessel to safety despite very shallow water. During this patrol, he accounted for four ships sunk, totaling 25,500 tons, and two damaged, totaling 20,000 tons. His inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain (Retired)Action Date:
June 20, 1963 – June 30, 1965
All Hands (March 1967)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Retired) William Hockett Hazzard (NSN: 0-75034), 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 Staff and Aide to Commander U.S. Naval Defense Forces Eastern Pacific, Commander Western Sea Frontier, Commander Pacific Reserve Fleet and Commandant TWELFTH Naval District, from 20 June 1963 to 30 June 1965, for his contributions to the conception, development and design of an Alternate Command Center for Commander U.S. Naval Defense Forces Eastern Pacific, involving the use of existing World War II barbettes and underground structures for large savings in construction costs.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. S-37 (SS-142) and U.S.S. Saury (SS-189)Action Date:
February 2, 1942 – June 8, 1943
Pacific Board of Awards: Serial 53 (March 24, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] William Hockett Hazzard (NSN: 0-75034), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. S-37 (SS-142) and U.S.S. SAURY (SS-189), during four War Patrols and six War Patrols, respectively, of those vessels in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Performing all assigned duties with superb professional ability, Commander Hazzard rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in pressing home bold and aggressive attacks against Japanese surface vessels, contributing immeasurable to the success of the S-37 and SAURY in sinking an important amount of hostile shipping. His outstanding leadership, cool courage and unwavering devotion to the completion of each perilous mission reflect the highest credit upon Commander Hazzard and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. S-37 (SS-142)Action Date:
February 2 – 20, 1942
Commander, Submarines Pacific Fleet: Serial 0401 (September 9, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] William Hockett Hazzard (NSN: 0-75034), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. S-37 (SS-142), in action against enemy Japanese forces during her THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in the Makassar and Lombok Straits Area, from 2 to 20 February 1942. Exhibiting excellent judgment and a thorough knowledge of attack problems, Commander Hazzard rendered valuable service to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks which resulted in the sinking of a 1,700 ton Japanese destroyer and, in addition contributed materially to the success of his ship in evading strong enemy countermeasures. His professional skill, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Saury (SS-189)Action Date:
May 7 – June 8, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] William Hockett Hazzard (NSN: 0-75034), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. SAURY (SS-189), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the SIXTH War Patrol of that vessel in the Nansei Shoto-China Sea Area, from 7 May to 8 June 1943. During bold and aggressive attacks against enemy surface vessels, Commander Hazzard rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer and contributed materially to the success of the SAURY in sinking more than 19,000 tons of enemy shipping. His courage, professional ability and devotion to duty reflect he highest credit upon Commander Hazzard and the United States Naval Service.