Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Martin
Scruggs
1900-10-27

–

1989-02-15

Born:

Live Oak

, 

Florida

Home:

Madison

, 

Florida

Richard Scruggs graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1923. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    March 29, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Captain Richard Martin Scruggs (NSN: 0-58220), United States Navy, for heroic conduct in the rescue of a member of the crew of an LST engaged in pontoon causeway-releasing practice at Cape Cretin, New Guinea, on 29 March 1944. When a man who was cutting a pontoon cable fell overboard and crashed heavily against the edge of the causeway as the ship lurched violently, Captain Scruggs, seeing the helpless and injured seaman in danger of drowning or being crushed between the ship and the causeway, unhesitatingly jumped over the side and, at peril to his own life, kept the man afloat and towed him away from the converging LST and pontoons to a position from which he could be lifted out of the water. Captain Scruggs’ initiative and decisive, gallant efforts undoubtedly saved the life of another and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    December 1943 – January 1945

    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 Captain [then Commander] Richard Martin Scruggs (NSN: 0-58220), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander LST Flotilla, and subsequently as Commander LST Flotillas, Amphibious Force, in action against enemy Japanese positions in the Pacific War Area, from December 1943 to January 1945. Skilled in amphibious warfare, Captain Scruggs exercised keen foresight and decisive judgment in the preparation of his assault plans for operations extending from New Guinea through the Bismarck Archipelago and Moluccas to the Philippines. Transporting troops and equipment, he personally led initial assault waves to the enemy’s beaches under merciless barrages of hostile gunfire and, gallantly disregarding all personal danger, successfully effected vital landings in strategic areas. By his forceful direction, brilliant seamanship and determined perseverance in the execution of extremely hazardous missions, Captain Scruggs rendered valiant service and contributed essentially to the success of our offensive operations in the Pacific Theater.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    7th Amphibious Force

    Action Date:

    January 9, 1945
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 04120 (June 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard Martin Scruggs (NSN: 0-58220), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commander LST Flotillas, SEVENTH Amphibious Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the amphibious landing at Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, 9 January 1945. Personally leading his ships in the assault on White Beach under persistent hostile mortar and artillery fire, Captain Scruggs skillfully directed the unloading activities until intense enemy fire forced him to withdraw his ships from the beach to prevent additional personnel casualties and to protect the vessels. His courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Action Date:

    September 4 & 22, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 7610 (November 26, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] Richard Martin Scruggs (NSN: 0-58220), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Task Unit of Tank Landing Ships during the attacks on Lae, 4 September 1943, and on Finschhafen, 22 September 1943. With superb skill and perfect timing, Captain Scruggs organized and led succeeding echelons of re-supply to both of these landing points on New Guinea without loss or damage to a single unit. By his sound judgment and outstanding initiative, he assisted greatly in coordinating and executing the movements of his task group, thereby contributing materially to the success of our offensive in this area.