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.

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.