Presidential Unit Citation



Presidential Unit Citation (PUC)



The Presidential unit Citation (PUC), originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the United States Armed Forces, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941 (the date of the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of American involvement in World War II). The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign.






CONTENT of speech by Admiral Nimitz to officers and crew of the USS Nicholas (DD-449)




Admiral Nimitz: In reading over the report of the action on the 5th and 6th of July, one thing stands out vary clearly in my mind. Captain McInerney, the Squadron Commander who was flying his Flag at that time in the USS Nicholas, states in his report that while Nicholas was picking up survivors from the Helena, an enemy contact was made. Captain Hill of this ship, on hearing this, got underway and made this remark, "If the S.O.B.'s want to fight, I'll give them a fight."

This fighting spirit I know is the spirit of the Destroyers, Pacific, and should be translated into our slogans, "Take the Offensive and Keep It," and "PermitNo Enemy Ship, Plane or Man to Escape Destruction (or Capture).








January 28, 1944 – Pearl Harbor



"...Our destroyers have truly been the silent part of our service, but their exploits and their capabilities are well known to those who have to know. Congratulations from the Pacific Fleet to every officer and man of Nicholas. Well done! Now in accordance with the provisions of General Order One Hundred Eighty Seven, I have the honor to present to Nicholas, in the name of the President of the United States, the "Unit Citation'." – Admiral Nimitz





Crew members aboard the
USS Nicholas (DD-449)
check out her score card for
the latest addition during WWII.





Photo courtesy of the
USS Nicholas (DD 449) Association.
Source: NavSource Naval History


In addition to her Presidential Unit Citation, Nicholas earned 16 battle stars in World War II, placing her among the highest decorated US ships of WWII. She earned a total among destroyers exceeded only by her sister, O'Bannon. During the Korean War she garnered 5 more and 9 in the Vietnam War, giving her a total higher than any other ship in the Navy.



USS Nicholas (DD-449) is the lead destroyer escort
into Tokyo Bay for the surrender signing



"You may be sure I will welcome you back with open arms anytime, any ocean," Admiral Halsey signaled on the squadron's detachment from his command, and in August 1945, he did.
The Nicholas increased speed and steamed out to rendezvous with the ship, the Japanese destroyer Hatsuzakura.

Sailors on the bow of USS Nicholas (DD-449) watch the Japanese destroyer Hatsuzakura steaming in company off Tokyo Bay, 27 August 1945. The Japanese ship had brought out several naval officers and harbor pilots for a conference on USS Missouri concerning the entry of the Third fleet into Sagami Wan and Tokyo Bay.

Nicholas approached the Japanese ship and dispatched a whaleboat to bring Captain Takasaki and his party aboard. Accompanying Takasaki were Captain Inaho Otani, an intelligence officer from the Navy General Staff in Tokyo, and a number of pilots and interpreters to assist Third Fleet vessels in navigating into Tokyo Bay. Their swords were surrendered.



... the tin cans were about to play prominent roles again in events leading up to and including Japan's surrender.

To escort his flagship the USS Missouri into Tokyo Bay, Admiral William Halsey selected some of the most battle-tested destroyers of the Pacific war "because of their valorous fight up the long road from the South Pacific to the very end."



As the two ships rolled and drifted closer together in the swells, the "Nick" lowered her starboard whaleboat, which was fitted for the occasion with sheets spread over the seats and a large ensign flying from a stern flagstaff. It crossed to the Hatsuzakura, where 21 Japanese were waiting: 2 navy captains serving as emissaries, 13 pilots, and 6 interpreters. With the boat deeply laden and rocking, it took four return trips to bring them all back to the Nicholas' accommodation ladder. Ascending was a tricky prospect, especially for those who were carrying rolled-up navigation charts, but there were no mishaps.


On board the Nicholas, the possibility of treachery was on everyone's minds as the Japanese were led under guard to the wardroom. There, as she got under way, working up to 25 knots with the Hatsuzakura tagging along, the visitors were searched, and the officers were relieved of their swords. Source



...the O'Bannon weighed anchor to join a task force sailing for San Francisco. This meant she would miss the September surrender, but her enviable prize was to go home, where she became the first destroyer from Tokyo Bay to pass under the Golden Gate Bridge. Some well-wishers came by train all the way from the East Coast to welcome her. Source



September 7, 1944



Presidential Unit Citation Ceremony aboard the USS O'Bannon (DD-450) for outstanding performance in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific from

7 October 1942 to 7 October 1943.

Ship's commanding officer

Commander Richard W. Smith, is congratulated by Rear Admiral Daniel E. Barnbey,

after the presentation of the

Presidential Unit Citation to the O'Bannon

7 September 1944.





CONTENT...Launching a close range attack on hostile combatant ships off Guadalcanal on the night of November 13, 1942, the O’BANNON scored three torpedo hits on a Japanese battleship, boldly engaged two other men o’ war with gunfire and retired safely in spite of damage sustained. During three days of incessant hostilities in July 1943, she gallantly stood down Kula Gulf to bombard enemy shore positions in coverage of our assault groups, later taking a valiant part in the rescue of survivors from the torpedoed U.S.S STRONG while under fierce coastal battery fire and aerial bombing attack and adding her fire power toward the destruction of a large Japanese naval force. In company with two destroyers, the O’BANNON boldly intercepted and repulsed nine hostile warships off Vella Lavella on October 7, 1943, destroying two enemy ships and damaging others. Although severely damaged, she stood by to take aboard and care for survivors of a friendly torpedoed destroyer and retired to base under her own power... Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy​







O'Bannon received the Presidential Unit Citation and 17 battle stars, the most decorated destroyer during WWII and 3 battle stars for Korean War Service.





USS O’Bannon (DD-450), 1943. Officers and enlisted men onboard USS O’Bannon (DD-450) after ceremony in which Commander Donald J. MacDonald, Commanding Officer, was awarded the Navy Cross and his crew was commanded for their gallant performances in the Battle of Kula Gulf, July 5-6, 1943. Photograph released November 18, 1943. U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. (2016/06/28).


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John Bailey



John@sisterships.us