Medals and awards
(Please note: The US Navy downgraded all medals, across the board, one level from CDR Bucher's recommendations. Bucher's medal recommendation paper work has become "lost" in the US Navy records archive.)
(Please note: The US Navy downgraded all medals, across the board, one level from CDR Bucher's recommendations. Bucher's medal recommendation paper work has become "lost" in the US Navy records archive.)
Navy Cross
Silver Star
Silver Star
Bronze Star
Navy/Marine Corps
Commendation
w/Combat V
Commendation
w/Combat V
Prisoner of War
Medal
Medal
HAMMOND, ROBERT J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert J. Hammond, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a crewmember of the U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Following his capture, Sergeant Hammond, through his unyielding resistance and fierce loyalty to his shipmates and his country, became a symbol of resistance, courage, and dedication to the United States. This infuriated the North Koreans, who singled him out for more frequent and far more severe brutalities than were administered to the other prisoners. When the North Koreans learned that the U.S.S. PUEBLO crew had duped them in their international propaganda efforts, they intensified their efforts to break the will and spirit of the crew through the administration of indiscriminate beatings. Realizing that many of his shipmates were in danger of being permanently injured or killed, Sergeant Hammond willingly attempted to sacrifice his own life in order that his shipmates might be spared further torture. The following day the North Koreans ceased their beatings and tortures. Sergeant Hammond's devotion to duty and heroic actions against seemingly impossible odds reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert J. Hammond, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a crewmember of the U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Following his capture, Sergeant Hammond, through his unyielding resistance and fierce loyalty to his shipmates and his country, became a symbol of resistance, courage, and dedication to the United States. This infuriated the North Koreans, who singled him out for more frequent and far more severe brutalities than were administered to the other prisoners. When the North Koreans learned that the U.S.S. PUEBLO crew had duped them in their international propaganda efforts, they intensified their efforts to break the will and spirit of the crew through the administration of indiscriminate beatings. Realizing that many of his shipmates were in danger of being permanently injured or killed, Sergeant Hammond willingly attempted to sacrifice his own life in order that his shipmates might be spared further torture. The following day the North Koreans ceased their beatings and tortures. Sergeant Hammond's devotion to duty and heroic actions against seemingly impossible odds reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
SCHUMACHER, FREDERIC CARL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to
Frederic Carl Schumacher, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant Junior Grade], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When the U.S.S. PUEBLO came under heavy fire from these North Korean units, Lieutenant Schumacher, as Operations Officer, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire while organizing and providing the necessary supervision to ensure the destruction of all classified materials under his purview. Through his inspiring leadership, courage, and dedication in the face of hostile fire, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to
Frederic Carl Schumacher, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant Junior Grade], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When the U.S.S. PUEBLO came under heavy fire from these North Korean units, Lieutenant Schumacher, as Operations Officer, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire while organizing and providing the necessary supervision to ensure the destruction of all classified materials under his purview. Through his inspiring leadership, courage, and dedication in the face of hostile fire, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
HODGES, DUANE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Duane Hodges, Fireman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When PUEBLO came under fire from these North Korean units, Petty Officer Hodges rendered invaluable assistance in the face of the intense hostile fire while participating in the unfamiliar task of destroying classified materials. Mortally wounded while carrying out this assignment, Petty Officer Hodges, by his courage, initiative, and inspiring dedication, he reflected credit upon himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Duane Hodges, Fireman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When PUEBLO came under fire from these North Korean units, Petty Officer Hodges rendered invaluable assistance in the face of the intense hostile fire while participating in the unfamiliar task of destroying classified materials. Mortally wounded while carrying out this assignment, Petty Officer Hodges, by his courage, initiative, and inspiring dedication, he reflected credit upon himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The Bronze Star (Combat V) presented to Ron K. Berens, Robert J. Chicca, Timothy L . Harris, Peter M. Langenberg, Wendell G. Leach and
F. Carl Schumacher.
The citation read "For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
F. Carl Schumacher.
The citation read "For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
The Navy Commendation Medal (Combat V) was given to all military crew members. Gold Star in lieu of second award was made to several crewmembers.
The citation stated "For meritorious services as crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Withstanding the continual harassment of beatings, threats, personal indignities, and malicious propaganda, he successfully resisted all attempts by the North Koreans to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. By virtue of his loyalty to the United States and his courage, he participated in several successful actions to discredit the international propaganda efforts of his captors, thus also contributing to improved morale among his fellow prisoners. Through his leadership and dedication to duty, he reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
The citation stated "For meritorious services as crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Withstanding the continual harassment of beatings, threats, personal indignities, and malicious propaganda, he successfully resisted all attempts by the North Koreans to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. By virtue of his loyalty to the United States and his courage, he participated in several successful actions to discredit the international propaganda efforts of his captors, thus also contributing to improved morale among his fellow prisoners. Through his leadership and dedication to duty, he reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
All PUEBLO crew members, including civilian oceanographers, who had been
prisoners in North Korea were authorized the Prisoner of War Medal.
The POW medal was presented on May 5, 1990 at ceremonies in San Diego, California.
prisoners in North Korea were authorized the Prisoner of War Medal.
The POW medal was presented on May 5, 1990 at ceremonies in San Diego, California.
The Purple Heart was awarded to ten crew members for wounds received during the attack on the USS PUEBLO by the North Korean military, and to all crew members for injuries received while enduring torture and beatings by the North Korean military personnel while imprisoned.
Purple Heart
All military crew members were authorized the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Armed Forces Expeditionary
Medal
Medal
The Naval & Marine Corp Achievement Medal (Combat V) was given to Rushel J. Blansett, Monroe O. Goldman, Charles B. Law, Jr., Lawrence W. Mack, Donald R. McClarren, John Mitchell, Clifford C. Nolte, Ralph E. Reed and Angelo S. Strano.
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
All military crew members were authorized to display the Combat Action Ribbon for the North Korean attack on 23 January 1968.
Navy & Marine Corps
Combat Action Ribbon
Combat Action Ribbon
Civilian
The US Navy Distinguished Civilian Service medal was awarded to
Dunnie R. Tuck, Jr., the senior oceanographer "...for meritorious service... his resistance to the North Korean attempts to use him in causes detrimental to the United States and his unwavering devotion to his Government... he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Dunnie R. Tuck, Jr., the senior oceanographer "...for meritorious service... his resistance to the North Korean attempts to use him in causes detrimental to the United States and his unwavering devotion to his Government... he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
The US Navy Superior Civilian Service medal was awarded to
Harry Iredale, the junior oceanographer, "...for meritorious service... his resistance to the North Korean attempts to use him in causes detrimental to the United States and his unwavering devotion to his Government... he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Harry Iredale, the junior oceanographer, "...for meritorious service... his resistance to the North Korean attempts to use him in causes detrimental to the United States and his unwavering devotion to his Government... he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
"It is against Navy policy to give civilians military decorations for heroism..."
(Navy Times, November 20, 1974)
(editor's note: No matter how much it is deserved)
(Navy Times, November 20, 1974)
(editor's note: No matter how much it is deserved)
Copyright © 2018 USS PUEBLO Veteran's Association. All rights reserved.
Editor's Note: The Navy downgraded CDR Bucher's medal recommendations for the crew by one grade, across the board. There was no explanation ever given for that action despite repeated requests from crewmembers and others. The records of CDR Bucher's recommendations were mysteriously lost.
SGT Hammond USMC was recommended for the Congressonal Medal of Honor