"For distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism, and utter
disregard of his own safety, above and beyond the call of duty during
the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Upon the commencement of the attack, Lieutenant Commander
Fuqua rushed to the quarterdeck of the U.S.S. Arizona to which
he was attached where he was stunned and knocked down by the explosion
of a large bomb which hit the quarterdeck, penetrated several decks, and
started a severe fire. Upon regaining consciousness, he began to direct
the fighting of the fire and the rescue of wounded and injured
personnel. Almost immediately there was a tremendous explosion forward,
which made the ship appear to rise out of the water, shudder and settle
down by the bow rapidly. The whole forward part of the ship was
enveloped in flames which were spreading rapidly, and wounded and burned
men were pouring out of the ship to the quarterdeck. Despite these
conditions, his harrowing experience, and severe enemy bombing and
strafing, at the time, Lieutenant Commander Fuqua continued to direct
the fighting of fires in order to check them while the wounded and
burned could be taken from the ship, and supervised the rescue of these
men in such an amazingly calm and cool manner and with such excellent
judgement, that it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly
resulted in the saving of many lives. After realizing that the ship
could not be saved and that he was the senior surviving officer aboard,
he directed that it be abandoned, but continued to remain on the
quarterdeck and directed abandoning ship and rescue of personnel until
satisfied that all personnel that could be had been saved, after which
he left the ship with the (last) boatload. The conduct of Lieutenant
Commander Fuqua was not only in keeping with the highest traditions of
the Naval Service but characterizes him as an outstanding leader of men."
From Lieutenant Commander Fuqua's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1942.
"Samuel G. Fuqua" Ferry Boat
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian & Melonie
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