After graduating from Pineville High School, Hoskins was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy graduating with the Class of 1921, and soon became a naval aviator. He served on the U.S.S. Memphis when Charles Lindbergh and his airplane The Spirit of St .Louis returned to the U.S. after their record-breaking flight across the Atlantic in 1927, and led the search for lost female aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart 10 years later. Captain Hoskins lost his right leg in the World War II action that earned him the Navy Cross, thereby earning the nickname, “The Peg-Legged Admiral.” He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.
Sponsored by:
John
Madison
Hoskins
October 22, 1898
–
March 27, 1964
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John Madison Hoskins (NSN: 0-57067), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Commander Fleet Air Quonset, from June 1943 to September 1944. Serving with distinction in an assignment of vital importance, Captain Hoskins succeeded in preparing training syllabi and schedules for all types of carrier aircraft, supervising the training of officers in landing signal duties and directing the indoctrination and training of carrier aircraft service division personnel. Working in close coordination with other Atlantic Fleet training activities, he developed efficient combat information center teams for new construction carriers and fighter direction officers for Atlantic Fleet ships. His expert professional skill, outstanding leadership and initiative were contributing factors in the development and maintenance of the high operational readiness of carrier air groups and squadrons destined for vital operation from aircraft carriers and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Hoskins and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, Far East Command, General Orders No. 51 (October 30, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Rear Admiral John Madison Hoskins (NSN: 0-57067), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander, Carrier Division THREE, Joint Task Force SEVEN, United Nations Command, in action in the Inchon-Seoul operation during the period 15 September to 21 September 1950. Admiral Hoskins displayed fearless and aggressive leadership while directing his Division, which provided air coverage for the invasion fleet and assault craft and close air support for the landing troops until complete attainment of ground objectives was accomplished. His actions contributed materially to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Board Serial 175 (February 26, 19451)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Madison Hoskins (NSN: 0-57067), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Carrier Division THREE, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area from 27 June to 17 November 1950. Applying tactical skill, aggressive leadership and broad experience to his assigned task, Rear Admiral Hoskins utilized his carrier units and flying squadrons to the greatest extent against the enemy. Establishing and maintaining a high degree of combat readiness, he brought to bear the full measure of fire power of his carrier-based planes to strike heavily at the enemy from the Yalu to the Naktong, and thus provide close air support for ground forces at the Pusan perimeter. In addition, the air landing at Inch’on in September contributed directly to the success of that difficult operation. By his outstanding devotion to duty as exemplified in the excellent performance of forces under his command, Rear Admiral Hoskins rendered distinguished and valuable service, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23)Action Date:
October 24, 1944
Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0959 (January 15, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain John Madison Hoskins (NSN: 0-57067), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Prospective Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), when that vessel was hit by a bomb from an enemy aircraft in Philippine waters during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 24 October 1944. With his ship blazing furiously and rocked by explosions as a result of a Japanese aerial bomb, Captain Hoskins gallantly remained on board, despite suggestions from the Commanding Officer that he leave with all personnel not required for salvage work. Persevering in his heroic efforts to save the PRINCETON, he repeatedly risked his life in a valiant attempt to control the raging flames. His exceptional valor and resolute courage in the face of graver peril served as an inspiration to both his officers and men and upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.