Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster. Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.


NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

LST-313

Navy Cross Citation


ALEXANDER, SAMUEL HUGH
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve
Commanding Officer, U.S.S. LST 313
Date of Action: July 10, 1943
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Samuel Hugh Alexander, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LST 313 during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily, July 10, 1943. After beaching his ship at the assigned point near Gela, Lieutenant Alexander was disembarking assault troops and vehicles when enemy aircraft bombed his vessel, setting fire to the cargo of ammunition, land mines, and other inflammable material loaded in trucks. With great courage, he skillfully directed the fighting of the blaze and the rescue and transfer of all survivors, many of whom had been severely burned and injured from the terrific explosion. By his prompt and gallant action, Lieutenant Alexander temporarily checked the spreading of the fire and saved the lives of many of the embarked personnel who otherwise might have been lost. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Birth: 5/1/1914 - Winton, CA
Home Town: Winton, CA
Back To The Navsource Photo Archives Main Page Back To The Amphibious Ship Type Index Back To The Tank Landing Ship (LST) Photo Index Back To The LST-313 Main Page
Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster.
This page created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
All pages copyright NavSource Naval History