The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Francis Thomas Spellman (NSN: 0-10845), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the removal of a burning ship from a congested harbor area. During a raid by enemy bombing planes on the Harbor of Oran, Algeria, on 19 May 1943, the SS SAMUEL GRIFFIN loaded with a cargo of gasoline was on fire from a bomb hit and in danger of exploding and thereby doing enormous damage to shipping and harbor facilities. This possible major catastrophe was averted by the initiative and courage of Captain Spellman, who without thought of his own personal safety and with an expert display of seamanship, boarded the ship and took charge of the operations of towing her from the harbor. The outstanding leadership, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Spellman were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Spellman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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U.S.S. Chester (CA-27)Action Date:
January 1 – July 16, 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04898 (September 25, 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 with Combat “V” to Captain Francis Thomas Spellman (NSN: 0-10845), 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. CHESTER (CA-27) during combat operations against the enemy from 1 January to 16 July 1944. During this period he participated in the Marshall Islands Campaign, 23 January to 17 March 1944, several bombardments of Wotje Island during January and February 1944, the bombardment of Matsuwa, Kurile Islands on 13 June 1944, and the bombardment of Kurabu Zaki, Paramushiru, Kurile Islands, on 26 June 1944. He also served as the Commander of a Task Unit on independent duty during a portion of the above period. At all times he handled his ship with courageous skill and his disregard for personal safety and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Spellman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
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CaptainDivision:
United States CruiserAction Date:
November 18 – 26, 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Francis Thomas Spellman (NSN: 0-10845), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while in command of a Cruiser during the action for the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, 18 to 26 November 1943. The cruiser under his command effectively bombarded enemy shore installations at Bititu Island in the face of fire from shore batteries and retired without damage. The Task Group of which his ship was a part maintained its position within easy bombing range of enemy bases for a period of eight days during which time the Task Group was twice under heavy torpedo attack by enemy planes. One of these attacks was pressed home to close quarters in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from our ships, but only one of our vessels was damaged. His courageous and intelligent leadership not only brought his own ship through safely, but materially contributed to the defense of the entire Task Group and the success of its mission. His actions were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.