The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain George Arthur T. Washburn (NSN: 0-58272), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LUNGA POINT (CVE-94) in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 3 to 18 January 1945. Exercising great skill and resourcefulness in directing the activities of his ship, Captain Washburn sent out his planes on numerous successful missions into enemy territory and, during his ship’s approach to the target area, repelled many vicious hostile air attacks, on one occasion shooting down a plane perilously close to his ship and sending it crashing into the sea. By his outstanding leadership and untiring devotion to duty throughout, Captain Washburn contributed materially to the success of this important operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Washburn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
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U.S.S. Lunga Point (CVE-94)Action Date:
April 2, 1945
Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 2121 (February 21, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain George Arthur T. Washburn (NSN: 0-58272), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. LUNGA POINT (CVE-94), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, on 2 April 1945. Quick to act when at least six enemy suicide fighters executed a well-coordinated attack against his ship, Captain Washburn skillfully maneuvered the LUNGA POINT at high speed to bring maximum fire to bear on all attackers, enabling his well-trained gun crews to assist in the destruction of three planes. By his excellent ship handling, cool courage in the face of seemingly certain hits, he was primarily responsible for the failure of the enemy to inflict damage on his ship, and contributed materially to the safety of accompanying vessels. His indomitable fighting spirit, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
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U.S.S. Lunga Point (CVE-94)Action Date:
February 10 – March 14, 1945
Board Serial 2618 (August 21, 1945)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 George Arthur T. Washburn (NSN: 0-58272), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LUNGA POINT (CVE-94), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 10 February to 14 March 1945. While operating in support of the Iwo Jima Campaign, Captain Washburn rendered invaluable assistance in the heavy strikes prior to, on and after D-Day. Attacked by four Japanese torpedo planes on one occasion, he directed the fire of his guns against the hostile force, completely destroying three of the planes and damaging the fourth which hit the after starboard side of the island of his carrier, crossed the flight deck and went into the water on the port side. Despite damages beyond repair on the flight deck, he reported ready with a full strike by morning and continued to operate until the end of the campaign, thereby contributing materially to our success in this strategic area. His professional skill, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Washburn is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)