These individuals returned to their seats after applause and more were called up for the Navy Commendation Medal. Six different levels of awards were presented and all the recipients were awarded except for one.
“Staff Sergeant Dale Ricks, come forward.”
“Ricks was dressed in an immaculate uniform and a couple of other medals were on his chest that he received earlier. He rolled himself up the incline to the dais. The President stood and walked over to stand beside him.
Black read the citation as an aide came up with a flat award box. “Attention to orders!”
The entire crew stood.
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Dale C. Ricks distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy near Daegu, South Korea on August 6th. On that day, Sergeant Ricks was engaged in a raid against North Korean forces behind enemy lines that were preparing to invade that city. He and his men engaged enemy forces far superior in number and equipment. Realizing the urgency of his task, Sergeant Ricks quickly organized a hasty offense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, using hand delivered demolitions explosives, dynamite, and Molotov cocktails he had devised. As the fight developed, Sergeant Ricks delivered these munitions, then braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and rifle fire. When additional opportunities presented themselves to inflict further damage, he personally returned to the heart of the enemy encampment to destroy additional equipment untouched by his first attack. He organized the evacuation of several wounded soldiers from the battle. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses and capture troops under his care, Sergeant Ricks moved under withering enemy fire to extract an additional soldier from harm. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was wounded. His courageous actions helped delay the enemy attack on Daegu, and resulted in as many as 250 enemy soldiers killed, and the loss of ten tanks, five rocket launchers, and numerous trucks of ammunition, fuel and supplies, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant Ricks displayed extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor above and beyond the call of duty. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.”
The box was opened and everyone saw the blue ribbon with the gold star shaped medal attached at one end. The President picked up the circular ribbon and held it for all to see. “It is rare that a President has the opportunity to make a presentation of this award. It gives me great pride to present the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Dale Ricks. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you for your service above and beyond the call of duty,” he said as he placed the award over Ricks’ head.
Ricks had not been told what he would receive. He imagined it was just another award, but the President placed the ribbon around his neck and stood to salute him. The look of shock on his face was heartwarming to the President.
“Hand salute!” came the order as all the men on the fantail saluted the man. “Ready two.”
“Congratulations, Sergeant. I am very proud of you. If you ever need anything, you may call upon me or my people,” the President said warmly while shaking his hand.
“Thank you, sir,” Ricks stammered out. He glanced over at his parents and Su Lynn. She was clinging to Hufham’s arm, her eyes full of tears. Even his mom was crying. His father stood stunned. He didn’t even hear the applause everyone was giving him. Ricks waved at them meekly and made his way back down the ramp. People thought it was all over.
General Black came to the microphone again. There was almost a grin on his face. “Rear Admiral Roger T. Hammond, come forward.”
Hammond had a questioning look on his face. He too had not been told of any award. He looked around at the men on the dais. None showed any emotion. Hesitantly he walked forward. Everyone was still standing.
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of USS Iowa in action against major units of the enemy during an engagement off Wonsan on September 25th, Rear Admiral Hammond gallantly interposed his ship between enemy missiles and the nuclear aircraft carrier under his protection. Seeing the possible loss of a major Navy asset and the potential loss of over 6,000 of its crew, Hammond ordered USS Iowa steered directly in front of five oncoming surface to surface missiles, shooting down two with his guns while absorbing three enemy missile hits. Undaunted by damage sustained under this terrific fire, he unhesitatingly engaged the hostile missile batteries with his damaged ship, ravaging them with gunfire and destroying both missile batteries before they could reengage the carrier or other ships in the task force. Rear Admiral Hammond, by his indomitable courage and brilliant professional skill, foiled the aims of the enemy during a critical phase of the war. His valiant fighting spirit throughout this historic engagement will venture as an inspiration to all who serve with him. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”
The same kind of box was presented and the President took the medal out. Hammond’s eyes were wide as he saw the highest award the nation could bestow lifted and placed over his head. The President straightened the ribbon and stood back.
“Hand salute!”
Once again, everyone saluted. “Ready two.”
Everyone aboard cheered and Hammond looked at the President.
“I told you we were proud of you,” he said. “Just remember, you did all of this.” He stood back and turned Hammond toward the crowd. The crewmen were cheering madly. It was as if they themselves had received the award. He stood for a moment stunned by what had just happened. Then he regained his composure. Holding up his hand.
“I thank you for this, but it really doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to every member of this crew. I promise, I’ll never let you down,” he said.
The applause and cheering returned anew and Hammond returned to his seat. The President came to the podium and held up his hand. “I said before it was rare that the Medal of Honor is presented. The people here have been witness to two such events. The Medal of Honor is not presented lightly. It is only presented as a result of unique acts of bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Those of you aboard Iowa have seen these acts first hand. Some of our Army representatives have seen it in Sergeant Ricks during battle. Let us never forget what they have done or the circumstances they overcame. Our nation is proud of these men and all of you who serve every day in our armed forces. Thank you for allowing me to be with you and share this moment.”
The ceremony ended and the two recipients joined the senior officers in the President’s cabin after receiving congratulations from the crew and guests.
Hammond entered the cabin to see Ricks talking to the President.
“That’s okay, sir. I’m just wanting to learn how to walk before the baby gets here,” Ricks said.
“What about after? What are your plans?”
“Well, sir, I don’t know. I doubt the Army will want a cripple,” Ricks said. The President could tell the simple thought hurt the man.
“I doubt that. Plenty of people have lost limbs and continued service. Take a look at that Navy Diver named Brashear they made the movie about.”
“Yes, sir, but he lost only one leg.”