EXCERPT From US Navy Archives: The USS Haddo was awarded the Navy Cross, the highest honor bestowed by the US Navy, and a Letter of Commendation with Ribbon. The Navy Cross citation reads in part, “For outstanding heroism in action during her Seventh War Patrol in restricted enemy waters off the West Coast of Luzon and Mindoro in the Philippines from 8 August to 3 October 1944. ”The citation goes on to say, “Valiantly defiant of the enemy’s over-powering strength during this period just prior to US invasion of the Philippines, the USS Haddo skillfully pierced the strongest hostile escort screens and launched her devastating attacks to send two destroyers, two valuable freighters, a patrol vessel, a troop transport all to the bottom, and another destroyer lying crippled in the water. The Haddo out-maneuvered and out-fought the enemy at every turn launching her torpedoes with deadly accuracy despite the fury and extremes of battle. ”It is estimated that well over 2,000 Japanese sailors, soldiers, and personnel perished as a direct result of USS Haddo resolve during the Battle of Leyte.
God bless my Dad