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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Charles Conway Hartigan, Jr. (NSN: 0-81046), United States Navy, for extraordinary gallantry and conspicuous intrepidity as Gunnery Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HAMMANN (DD-412), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Midway Island on 6 June 1942. Upon sighting tracks of approaching torpedoes, Lieutenant Hartigan opened fire on them with the forward and after 20-mm. guns and was attempting to bring the 5-inch guns to bear when the resultant explosion hurled him from his battle station. After he had abandoned ship, although injured and without a life jacket, he swam back to the rapidly sinking vessel and pulled a mess attendant clear. His courageous conduct under fire and his distinguished heroism in saving the life of another at the risk of his own were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Conway (DD-507)

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1945
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 02024 (October 30, 1943)

    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 Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Charles Conway Hartigan, Jr. (NSN: 0-81046), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Gunnery Officer aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. CONWAY (DD-507), while protecting a convoy in the Solomon Islands Area on 15 August 1945. Directing the batteries of his ship with expert skill and courage, Lieutenant Commander Hartigan enabled his gunners to repel a formation of hostile aircraft which made four separate level and dive-bombing attacks on our vessels. For a period of fifteen hours, he fought off the enemy with relentless determination, destroying three Japanese planes, damaging several others and completely routing the attackers without damage to his ship or the convoy. His outstanding ability and untiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.