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 Joseph Hawes Wesson (NSN: 0-74971), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HICKOX (DD-673), in action against enemy Japanese forces of the Southern Coast of Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Approaching a seriously damaged aircraft carrier lying dead in the water as a result of enemy action, Commander Wesson maneuvered his ship to receive stretcher patients aboard by whip and, despite intense explosions aboard the stricken carrier, placed the bow of his ship against the starboard quarter of the carrier and held it there, enabling approximately twenty-five men to jump aboard his destroyer who were trapped on the stern of the carrier. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Joseph Hawes Wesson (NSN: 0-74971), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HICKOX (DD-673), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the capture and occupation of Saipan, the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, the capture and occupation of Guam, raids on Palau-Yap-Ulithi, Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, Nansei Shoto and Formosa, and support raids against enemy installations in the Philippine Islands, from 9 June to 27 November 9144. Fighting his ship with skill and determined aggressiveness, Commander Wesson rendered valiant service during a protracted period of intensive warfare, maintaining his command in superb combat readiness and hurling her full strength against frequent hostile air attacks and enemy installations. Under his courageous direction, the HICKOX achieved an outstanding record for providing gunfire protection for our heavy units against enemy air attacks and succeeded in destroying one enemy aircraft and in rescuing the crews of eighteen planes downed in hostile waters. His inspiring leadership and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.