- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant Commander
- Unit:
- U.S.S. Paul Jones (DD-230), U.S. Navy
- Awarded on:
- July 1942
"For extraordinary heroism and utter disregard of his own personal safety as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PAUL JONES (DD-230), during the attack upon enemy Japanese ships off Balikpapan, Borneo, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 24 - 25 January 1942. Although badly outnumbered, Lieutenant Commander Hourihan, ignoring enemy challenges, and by skillful maneuvering, used the element of surprise in sinking with torpedoes and damaging with gunfire a large part of the enemy's concentration consisting of cruisers, destroyers, and various types of transports and cargo ships, after which an orderly retirement was effected. His actions displayed on this occasion reflect most favorably on his ability as a leader and officer, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304