HUTCHINS, JOHNNIE DAVID - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Seaman First Class, U.S. Naval Reserve. Birth:
4 August 1922, Weimer, Tex. Accredited to: Texas. Citation: For extraordinary
heroism and conspicuous valor above and beyond the call of duty while serving
on board a Landing Ship, Tank, during the assault on Lae, New Guinea, 4
September 1943. As the ship on which Hutchins was stationed approached
the enemy-occupied beach under a veritable hail of fire from Japanese shore
batteries and aerial bombardment, a hostile torpedo pierced the surf and
bore down upon the vessel with deadly accuracy. In the tense split seconds
before the helmsman could steer clear of the threatening missile, a bomb
struck the pilot house, dislodged him from his station, and left the stricken
ship helplessly exposed. Fully aware of the dire peril of the situation,
Hutchins, although mortally wounded by the shattering explosion, quickly
grasped the wheel and exhausted the last of his strength in maneuvering
the vessel clear of the advancing torpedo. Still clinging to the helm,
he eventually succumbed to his injuries, his final thoughts concerned only
with the safety of his ship, his final efforts expended toward the security
of his mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
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