THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TAKES PLEASURE IN PRESENTING THE
FOR
SERVICE AS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING:
CITATION:
“For heroic service while attached to the Amphibious Force operating
against the enemy Japanese forces in the waters off Okinawa Shima during the
assault and capture of that island, from March 23 to June 24, 1945.
In action almost continuously during this period of intensive
hostilities, the HENRY A. WILEY operated in dangerously mined waters to serve a
total of 31 days in mine sweeping activities, 23 days on radar picket duty and
18 days in patrol, with an additional 11 nights of screening duty.
Handled superbly, she fought off 51 air attacks by enemy planes, on one
such occasion enabling other ships in the immediate area to continue
uninterruptedly the rescue of survivors from the U.S.S. LUCE.
With her guns expertly manned at all times, she succeeded in destroying a
total of 12 Japanese planes, including two baka bombs, and assisted in the
destruction of three other aircraft. Fulfilling
each assigned mission schedule she emerged without damage from every contact
with the enemy. By her efficient
protection of mine sweeping units, her brilliant performance on radar picket and
her accurate gunfire, the HENRY A. WILEY contributed essentially to the success
of our forces. Her gallant service
throughout the Okinawa Operation attests to the valor, skill and devotion to
duty of her officers and men and sustains the highest tradition of the United
States Naval Service.
For the President
JAMES FORRESTALL
Secretary of the Navy