COMMANDER RICHARD ROCKWELL PRATT, United States Navy. For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HUDSON, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, from April 1 to May 5, 1945. With the HUDSON operating as fighter director ship on radar picket station, Commander Pratt fought his ship with outstanding skill and courage during a prolonged period of time while subjected to numerous day and night aerial attacks. On one occasion, when seventeen suicide planes attacked his vessel, he heroically directed his men in repelling the onslaught, thereby averting damage to the vessel and maintaining the HUDSON in operation at a most critical time. By his aggressive leadership, perserverance and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the safety of our forces ashore, and his gallant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

RADM Pratt joined the L.O.V. in 1987 and resides in New Hampshire.

View RADM Pratt’s Gold Star citation.