Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Task Force Commander, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 26th, 1943

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander, during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the Central Pacific covering a period from 6 December 1941 to 14 June 1942. While under constant threat of attack by air and submarine, the Task Force to which Commander Griggs was attached repeatedly steamed for protracted periods in enemy waters and in close proximity to enemy territory and bases. Largely due to his skill and determination under fire, only minor damage was suffered from attacking heavy bombers in the Marshall Islands engagement. In addition, he contributed materially to the marked success of the other actions, through which the Task Force came unscathed after inflicting extremely heavy damage on Japanese installations and shipping.

Commander South Pacific: Serial 652

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. Radford (DD-446), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1945

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. RADFORD (DD-446) during action against an enemy Japanese submarine in Pacific Waters, 25 November 1943. While cruising at night on screening station in company with heavy ships, Captain Griggs promptly initiated a sound search for a hostile submarine which had submerged to evade action. Effectively regaining contact, he pursued the enemy relentlessly and launched three vigorous depth-charge attacks which culminated in the probable destruction of the enemy vessel as evidenced by a violent underwater explosion and the appearance of debris and a heavy oil slick. His aggressive persistence and efficient coordination with other ships of the search and attack group were contributing factors in the success of a hazardous mission.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. Radford (DD-446), U.S. 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. RADFORD (DD-446), attached to Destroyer Division FORTY-TWO, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area from April to September 1944. A superb leader and brilliant tactician, Captain Griggs fought his ship gallantly throughout four major amphibious operations, a night Naval action and a successful engagement with a hostile submarine, providing effective escort for assaulting vessels and bringing the RADFORD through each intensive action without damage. By his expert ship-handling, unwavering perseverance and zealous devotion to duty maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Captain Griggs contributed materially to the infliction of extensive and costly damage on the enemy and to the success of our forces in extending United States control over more than 1,200 miles westward in the sustained drive against the Japanese in the Pacific theater of war.

Gold Star in lieu (2nd award)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)