The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Francis M. Hughes (NSN: 0-58062), 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. BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-21) from 10 March 1944 until 29 May 1944. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-21) and Commanding Officer of an Atlantic Fleet anti-submarine task group, Captain Hughes achieved outstanding success in combined air and surface operations against enemy submarines. Searching out and attacking the enemy at every opportunity, the task group under Captain Hughes’ command repeatedly exposed itself to certain danger in its determined action against the enemy. Throughout the entire series of operations, which resulted in the sinking and damaging of a large number of U-boats, the aggressive and determined spirit of the attacking units and the close cooperation between all units of the task group resulted in achieving a record of destruction of enemy submarines which was un-excelled by any other similarly engaged task group during the same period. When, in search of an enemy submarine, the U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND was torpedoed and sunk, Captain Hughes displayed the same high standard of courage, leadership, and judgment in conducting the abandonment of his sinking ship without injury or additional loss of life to the exceptionally high percentage of the crew which had survived three torpedo blasts. Captain Hughes’ outstanding achievement in battle against enemy submarines reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service. (Captain Hughes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

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 Rear Admiral [then Captain] Francis M. Hughes (NSN: 0-58062), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an escort carrier in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands during the period 4 May to 19 June 1945. While under the constant threat of air and submarine attack, forces under his command in the course of 36 days of combat operations inflicted heavy damage to enemy airfields and defense installations, thereby assisting materially in the conquest of the objective. Although a new ship with an inexperienced air group and handling crews, the ship through his courageous effort and inspiring example proved a most effective combat unit. His aggressive and capable leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Hughes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)