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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Navigating, Assistant Approach and Executive Officer of the submarine U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Area. During four hazardous War Patrols, Lieutenant Commander Hyde rendered invaluable services by skillfully plotting his ship’s course through dangerous, inadequately charted waters and providing accurate and timely information in the conduct of the attacks despite severe enemy depth charging and bombing. When the SWORDFISH was assigned two special missions to Corregidor fortress, Lieutenant Commander Hyde greatly assisted in the successful execution of these important tasks. His excellent performance of administrative duties and his inspiring leadership contributed materially to the destruction of eleven enemy vessels and the damaging of another, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bergall (SS-320)

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01139 (April 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine on 13 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Contacting two hostile heavy cruisers in water too shallow to permit submersion if detected, Commander Hyde courageously launched a night surface attack against the enemy vessels and directed the firing of six torpedoes, which caused one of the cruisers to blow up with a tremendous explosion and a mass of engulfing flames and inflicted extensive damage on the other which stopped dead in the water. After reloading, he once again attacked the crippled vessel and, when a salvo from the damaged cruiser inflicted damage to the BERGALL’s pressure hull, skillfully maneuvered his craft to evade further damage and return to port. By his leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Commander Hyde upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bergall (SS-320)

    Action Date:

    January 19 – February 17, 1945
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 04751 (June 26, 1945)

    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 John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), in action against enemy Japanese forces during that submarine’s THIRD War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific from 19 January to 17 February 1945. Aggressively seeking out enemy targets, Commander Hyde launched attacks which resulted in the sinking of 400 tons of enemy shipping and in the infliction of damage on a battleship and two large oilers. His cool leadership and inspiring to his officers and men, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bergall (SS-320)

    Action Date:

    September 8 – November 8, 1944
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 02121 (February 22, 1945)

    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 John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine against enemy Japanese shipping in the South China Sea from 8 September to 8 November 1944. Aggressively developing all contacts, Commander Hyde launched destructive attacks against hostile shipping which resulted in the destruction of two cargo ships and a large enemy tanker. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.