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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 to Rear Admiral Harold Montgomery Martin (NSN: 0-34758), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Escort Carrier Division and Task Unit Commander, during sustained operations against enemy forces on Okinawa, in the Ryukyu Chain, from 4 May to 3 September 1945. A brilliant and forceful leader, Rear Admiral Martin conducted the operations of his command with vigilant and aggressive determination despite the constant threat of hostile air and submarine attack and the unremitting stress of prolonged combat activity which gave rise to military and administrative problems of the most difficult and exacting nature. Directing his fighting planes against powerful defensive positions on Okinawa and against airfields and aircraft in Sakishima, he aided materially in paralyzing the enemy’s organized air strength and provided close support for our ground forces on Okinawa as they drove steadily forward and succeeded in capturing this important outpost of the Japanese Empire. By his astute military judgment and decisive leadership during critical stages of the action, Rear Admiral Martin contributed substantially to the success of the Okinawa Operation and his outstanding resourcefulness, indomitable fighting spirit and professional skill throughout were important factors in the combat effectiveness of the Escort Carrier Task Force and in the successful conclusion of World War II.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. San Jacinto (CVL-30)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0243 (June 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Harold Montgomery Martin (NSN: 0-34758), 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. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific during World War II. Conducting operations of his ship with aggressive determination, Rear Admiral Martin carried out both offensive and defensive measures in support of other units in the area with outstanding tactical skill, thereby contributing essentially to the success of our forces in the Pacific Theater. A brilliant leader, Rear Admiral Martin, by forceful administration of his carrier and his indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave hazards, rendered valiant service in decisive operations, and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    March 1951 – February 1952

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Harold Montgomery Martin (NSN: 0-34758), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander United States SEVENTH Fleet during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from March 1951 to February 1952. Maintaining his command at a high level of fighting readiness, Vice Admiral Martin brilliantly directed the surface and air units of the Naval forces under his control and effectively employed new methods to meet the challenge of the ever-changing combat situation. Proficient in deploying the elements of his command for maximum striking power, he was directly responsible for the success of close air support activities, bombardment of enemy shore installations, blockading of strategic ports, and vital minesweeping operations. By his superb leadership, exceptional professional skill and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Vice Admiral Martin rendered distinguished service toward the success of SEVENTH Fleet operations in the Korean campaign, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. San Jacinto (CVL-30)

    Action Date:

    October 13, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01396 (June 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Harold Montgomery Martin (NSN: 0-34758), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 13 October 1944. When a group of enemy torpedo planes executed a fast and cleverly-concealed dusk attack upon the Task Group, Rear Admiral Martin skillfully maneuvered his ship and controlled its gunfire with the result that all torpedoes were avoided and four of the attacking aircraft were shot down. His professional skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.