Coxswain Hodgson, George O. Navy Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to GEORGE OMAR HODGSON COXSWAIN UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For heroic achievement while serving on board the U.S.S. HUGH W. HADLEY during an attack on that vessel by more than one hundred enemy Japanese aircraft off Okinawa, May 11,1945. When his ship was struck by a bomb and three suicide planes during a furious air-sea battle, HODGSON braved the raging fires and flying fragments of metal from exploding ammunition and, pressing into the heart of the fire with a hose, encouraged other crew members to assist in extinguishing the flames. By his inspiring leadership and determination in the face of grave personnel hazards; HODGSON contributed materially to the saving of the ship and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. HODGSON is authorized to wear the Combat "V"