THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

    The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

UNITED STATES SHIP WARD

for participation in the following operations

The Action at Pearl Harbor — December 7, 1941;
The Consolidation of the Southern Solomon Islands — April 7, 1943;
The Bougainville Operation — November 7, 11 and 17, 1943;
The Cape Gloucester Occupation — December 26 to 29, 1943;
The Western New Guinea Operations — April 21 to September 15, 1944;
The Leyte and Ormoc Bay Landings — October 17, 1944; November 12, 1944; December 7, 1944;

as set forth in the following

CITATION:

   “For exceptionally meritorious service and heroism against enemy Japanese aircraft, shore batteries and submarines. Operating in contact with the enemy and under attack, the U.S.S. WARD performed her duties as a World War I destroyer and high speed transport, consistently maintaining a superior degree of efficiency in the performance of her assigned tasks. From the time she fired the first shot of the war at Pearl Harbor until mortally wounded by a Kamikaze attack at Ormoc Bay three years later, the U.S.S. WARD contributed materially to the success of the Pacific Campaign by her offensive action which resulted in the destruction of enemy submarines and several enemy planes. Her courageous determination and effort were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. WARD during one or more of the designated periods are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

/s/ John L. Sullivan
Secretary of the Navy