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 Madison Hall, Jr. (NSN: 0-70274), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LITTLE (DD-803), in action against enemy Japanese forces while assigned to Radar Picket Duty off Okinawa, on 3 May 1945. When the LITTLE was subjected to a coordinated and determined attack by enemy suicide planes, Commander Hall courageously fought his ship against this savage attack and directed the delivery of a tremendous volume of fire which destroyed several Japanese planes. Although four hostile craft succeeded in crashing the ship in rapid succession, he continued to engage the enemy until all guns were out of action and the LITTLE sank twelve minutes after the beginning of the attack. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Jenkins (DD-447)Action Date:
July 12 – 13, 1943
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 327 (June 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Madison Hall, Jr. (NSN: 0-70274), United States Navy, for gallantry in action while Commanding the U.S.S. JENKINS (DD-447) in the van of a small task force off Kolombangara, 12 – 13 July 1943. Commander Hall skillfully maneuvered his ship into position and assisted in a determined attack on a force of enemy cruisers which resulted in the destruction of at least four hostile vessels and the damaging of two more. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Jenkins (DD-447) & U.S.S. Little (DD-803)Action Date:
July 1943 – May 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Madison Hall, Jr. (NSN: 0-70274), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JENKINS (DD-447) from July 1943 to 1 April 1944, and Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LITTLE (DD-803) from February 1945 to May 1945. His period of operation on the JENKINS in the Solomons Area was spent in making frequent trips up the Slot, searching for the “Tokyo Express”. During the latter part of this period his ship furnished fire support and anti-submarine patrol during the capture and occupation of the Gilbert Islands. His courage and tireless efforts were a great example to his men. As Commanding Officer of the LITTLE, he furnished fire support to the Iwo Jima invasion from 22 January to 12 March 1945, and from 1 April to 3 May took part in the Okinawa Campaign. His ship furnished fire support, doing screening duties, and patrolling on picket station. While on radar picket station on 3 May 1945, his ship was hit by four enemy suicide planes, and sank after a valiant fight. His courage and leadership were an inspiring example to his men. His conduct and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Hall is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)