Pound, Harold Clay "Froggy"

Battle of the Java Sea

Date of birth:: December 20th, 1903 (Hutchinson/Kansas, United States)
Date of death:: March 1st, 1942
Mentioned on:: American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Service number:: 0-59604
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: USS Pillsbury (DD-227), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: August 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PILLSBURY (DD-227), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 - 20 February 1942. During a night engagement in the Strait of Lombok, with his ship illuminated by an overwhelming force of enemy destroyers and cruisers, Lieutenant Commander Pound skillfully maneuvered his ship to counter the enemy's cross-fire with the most effective use of his own batteries. His daring and courageous tactics in moving to the assistance of an accompanying vessel were instrumental in saving that ship and contributed materially to the serious damage on the enemy by our forces. By his expert seamanship and loyal devotion to duty he was able to retire without damage or loss to his ship or her personnel. Lieutenant Commander Pound's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (posthumously awarded)