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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Paul Hendren, 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. PHILADELPHIA during the assault on Sicily in July 1943. Admiral Hendren skillfully maneuvered his ship into striking position and, within close range of enemy shore artillery and under intermittent air attack, directed the bombardment of machine gun nests and artillery emplacements, providing excellent support for the initial landing and rapid advance inland of our troops.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Philadelphia

    Action Date:

    1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 326 (May 1944)

    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 to Captain Paul Hendren, 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. PHILADELPHIA during the invasion of Italy in 1943. Captain Hendren maneuvered through enemy-mined waters and fought his ship daringly, providing effective fire support for Allied troops in maintaining their beachheads against determined counterattacks.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 23, 1944 – September 1, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 352 (July 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Paul Hendren, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Service Squadron South Pacific, from 23 September 1944 to 1 September 1945.