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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander John Christie Hollingsworth (NSN: 0-70037), 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. SCAMP (SS-277), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 3 March to 22 April 1944. When his vessel was bombed on 7 April by an enemy float plane while trying to send a contact report of a hostile task force, Commander Hollingsworth directed emergency repairs on his ship in the face of dense phenolic smoke from fire in the main control cubicle to render his vessel capable of escaping from the area and returning to port. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Hollingsworth is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Triton (SS-201)

    Action Date:

    January 25 – March 19, 1942
    Board Serial 0433 (February 10, 1948)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] John Christie Hollingsworth (NSN: 0-70037), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TRITON (SS-201), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the East China Sea, from 25 January to 19 March 1942. Through his excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems, Commander Hollingsworth materially assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting four successful torpedo attacks which, despite intensive hostile aircraft anti-submarine patrols and adverse weather conditions, resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships totaling 12,000 tons and in the damaging of two more totaling 15,000 tons. His courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.