"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."
From SFC Hutchins' Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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