James Bernhardt Hogle

Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03879 (June 14, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Bernhardt Hogle (NSN: 0-58528), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer on board the U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Surigao Strait, Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944.
Inculcating in the personnel of the MINNEAPOLIS his own high standards of performance, Captain Hogle integrated his ship's company as a formidable fighting unit of Task Force 77.2 in preparation for this major engagement. With out cruisers deployed in a flanking maneuver as our tactically disposed destroyers initiated a series of devastating torpedo attacks against the formidable column of Japanese warships advancing under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, he steadfastly remained at his exposed battle station, exercising close control of operations as the gallantly fighting MINNEAPOLIS, straddled by enemy shellfire, hurled the full power of her mighty guns in a sudden, coordinated attack to surprise the enemy with a smashing bombardment in the fierce engagement which resulted in the sinking of two Japanese battleships and three destroyers. By his brilliant leadership in operation and administration, Captain Hogle contributed materially to the decisive defeat of the aggressive enemy force and his undaunted courage and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.