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Presidential Unit Citation
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces in the air, ashore and afloat. The first
escort carrier to prove the feasibility of complete night air group operations, the U.S.S. SANGAMON
and her attached air groups struck with sustained fury at hostile warships, airborne and grounded planes
and shore installations and remained on station to provide air support for ground operations. In the
historic Battle for Leyte Gulf, these gallant officers and men aided substantially in turning back
a large force of Japanese capital ships from San Bernardino Strait with heavy damage inflicted on the
enemy. Despite the strain of constant alerts and long periods of unrelieved action, the SANGAMON launched
her planes in day and night operations, contributing vitally to the success of putting assault forces
ashore in landing craft and of maintaining cover until air bases had been captured and established.
Although seriously damaged when crashed by a Japanese suicide bomber plane on May 4, the SANGAMON succeeded
in retiring to a rear area on her own power. Her outstanding record of destruction to the enemy's
vital ships, planes and emplacements is evidence of the SANGAMON's fighting spirit and of the gallantry
and skill of her officers and men which enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
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For the President,
John L Sullivan
Secretary of the Navy
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North Africa, November 8 to 11, 1942;
Gilberts Operation, November 20 to December 8, 1943;
Marshall Islands Operation, January 31 to February 24, 1944;
Palau, Yap, Ulithi, Woleai Raid, March 30 to April 1, 1944;
Western New Guinea Operation, April 22 to May 5, 1944;
Marianas Operation, June 23 to August 1, 1944;
Western New Guinea Operation, September 15 to 27, 1944;
Leyte Operation, October 12 to 29, 1944;
Okinawa Gunto Operation, March 25 to May 5, 1945
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