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Hathaway, Amos Townsend

Date of birth:
December 5th, 1913 (Pueblo/Colorado, United States)
Date of death:
August 26th, 1996 (Charleston/South Carolina, United States)
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Heermann (DD-532), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 1st, 1945
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HEERMANN (DD-532), during a strike against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet, in the Battle off Samar Island, on 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers attacked our small Task Unit of Escort Carriers, Commander Hathaway twice closed to four thousand yards of the hostile disposition to launch torpedo attacks on heavy ships of the enemy, holding his ship under a constant bombardment of gunfire and succeeded in scoring one confirmed hit on a battleship. Again maneuvering within short range, he skillfully brought his surface guns to bear on two heavy cruisers and greatly assisted in putting these ships out of action. By his courageous action he diverted enemy fire from our lightly armed carriers to his own ship, thereby materially aiding in their protection. His leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0678
Navy Cross
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Director, Logistic Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Logistic Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, from June 1963 to June 1965, by his contributions in logistics serving to increase operational readiness."
Legion of Merit - US Military

Sources

Photo