The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Josephus Asa Briggs (NSN: 0-57944), 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. HOGGATT BAY during the approach and the assault periods of the invasion of Luzon, Philippine Islands on 3 January to 18 January 1945. During this period the planes attached to his ship made a total of 548 sorties over the enemy lines shooting down many enemy planes and doing great damage to their troops and installations ashore. On 15 January 1945, a returning damaged plane loaded with bombs, exploded on the flight deck killing eight persons, wounding fourteen and causing large fires. By his untiring energy and intelligent direction, Captain Briggs brought the situation under control and returned his ship to an operational status within three hours. His performance of duty throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. (Captain Briggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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 Josephus Asa Briggs (NSN: 0-57944), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer of an escort carrier engaged in sustained operations against the enemy in dangerous waters during the occupation of Okinawa in May and June 1945. His professional ability and aggressive leadership were responsible for the welding of his ship and its newly assigned squadron into an efficient fighting unit which, in spite of unfavorable operating conditions, provided highly effective air support in excess of that scheduled, thereby inflicting severe damage on the enemy and contributing materially to the success of the operations. His resourcefulness, leadership and high personal courage were a constant inspiration to the officers and men under his command, and his conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Briggs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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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 Josephus Asa Briggs (NSN: 0-57944), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, as Commander of a patrol wing and Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station at Port Lyautey, French Morocco, during November and December 1942. Upon the occupation of French Morocco he set up speedily and efficiently the Naval Air Station at Port Lyautey and as Commander of a Fleet Air Wing he so effectively maintained an anti-submarine patrol as to contribute materially to the success attained as evidenced by the fact that no Allied ships were sunk in the area his wing patrolled. In addition to his other duties at Port Lyautey, Commander Briggs supervised the salvaging of scuttled vessels in the Sebu River. His activities as a Liaison Officer with the U.S. Army, and with the French army and navy officials contributed greatly to the effective unity of command in French Morocco.