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 Francis Worth Scanland, Jr. (NSN: 0-73528), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAWKBILL (SS-366), during the THIRD War Patrol in enemy-controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific Area, from 4 February 1945 to 6 April 1945. Commander Scanland’s fearless attacks upon an enemy convoy on the night of 20 – 21 February, after a long and persistent end-round, were conducted in a clever and skillful manner. In the first of these attacks, the HAWKBILL was detected by an alert escort who closed to a range of 1,300 yards and rained a hail of gunfire upon his ship which miraculously escaped damage. Three torpedoes fired down-the-throat, as a defensive measure, missed the escort, but HAWKBILL subsequently escaped. Undaunted, Commander Scanland once again attacked the convoy and sank a large cargo ship and a medium cargo ship with six hits from six torpedoes fired. A third time, he attacked the convoy in very shallow water, but the phosphorescent torpedo wake was detected and evaded by the already alerted convoy. From 11 to 17 February, his vessel completed a hazardous special mission in the restricted waters of Lombok Strait. This mission required the greatest skill and mental alertness from the entire crew. During this period, the HAWKBILL sank two more small cargo ships, one PC, and two landing craft, effectively clearing an important passage. A total of seven ships, amounting to 12,500 tons, were sunk during this outstanding patrol. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men on his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Navy Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Hawkbill (SS-366)Action Date:
May 5 – June 18, 1945
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 073 (September 11, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Francis Worth Scanland, Jr. (NSN: 0-73528), 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. HAWKBILL (SS-366) during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the Southwest Pacific Area from 5 May to 18 June 1945. On 16 May 1945, Commander Scanland fearlessly led his submarine in a surface attack against an enemy minelayer, close to an Allied minefield and in seventeen fathoms of water. Two torpedoes damaged this target, and for several hours in the face of heavy enemy fire, the HAWKBILL repeatedly attempted to consummate a second attack. Finally, through the skillful efforts of Commander Scanland, an accurately delivered torpedo sank the minelayer. His outstanding leadership throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men serving on board his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Scanland is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Hawkbill (SS-366)Action Date:
November 15, 1944 – January 5, 1945
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 315 (August 19, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Francis Worth Scanland, Jr. (NSN: 0-73528), United States Navy, for heroic and meritorious conduct in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAWKBILL (SS-366), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the South China Sea from 15 November 1944 to 5 January 1945. Displaying great courage and a fine aggressive spirit, Commander Scanland, on 15 December 1944, skillfully led his vessel in a surface attack against two enemy destroyer type vessels. Six torpedoes fired resulted in the sinking of the first and the severe damaging of the second. With determination, the Commanding Officer made three more attempts to polish off the cripple. In this important damage to the enemy he showed a fine fighting spirit. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Hawkbill (SS-366)Action Date:
September 9 – October 10, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0586 (February 8, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Francis Worth Scanland, Jr. (NSN: 0-73528), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAWKBILL (SS-366) during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in the period 9 September to 10 October 1944. Operating in the area East of the Philippines, Luzon Straits, and in the South China Sea north of Dangerous Ground, he skillfully maneuvered his submarine into attack position on two well escorted Japanese Convoys. In very cool, persistent fashion he pressed home these attacks and sank two enemy cargo ships and damaged two others despite the fact that strong enemy anti-submarine activity guarded the convoys. His performance of duty throughout was highly exemplary, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Hawkbill (SS-366)Action Date:
July 12 – August 19, 1945
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 571 (October 8, 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 Francis Worth Scanland, Jr. (NSN: 0-73528), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAWKBILL (SS-366) during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific Area from 12 July to 19 August 1945. Throughout this aggressive and active patrol, the Commanding Officer continued to seek out and destroy the enemy at every opportunity, despite the most severe enemy countermeasures. On 18 July during a daring attack on a formidable enemy destroyer the HAWKBILL was depth charged and severely damaged, and only the determined efforts of Commander Scanland and his crew prevented the destruction of this valiant submarine. Upon completion of emergency repairs at an advanced base Commander Scanland resumed his patrol and succeeded in sinking five enemy vessels totaling seven hundred tons. On 11 August he directed a landing at Terampah Town, Sianton Island where an enemy garrison and gasoline storage were destroyed. His outstanding courage and leadership in the performance of his duties were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.