Johnnie David Hutchins

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Johnnie David Hutchins
August 4, 1922(1922-08-04) – September 4, 1943 (aged 21)
Johnnie David Hutchins, Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth	Weimer, Texas
Place of death	off the coast of Lae, New Guinea
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Naval Reserve
Rank	Seaman First Class
Battles/wars	World War II *Salamaua-Lae campaign
Awards	Medal of Honor

Johnnie David Hutchins (August 4, 1922 – September 4, 1943) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Hutchins, aged 21 at his death, was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Eagle Lake, Texas.

1 Medal of Honor citation
2 Namesake
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Seaman First Class Hutchins' official Medal of Honor citation reads:

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.

[edit] Namesake

USS Johnnie Hutchins (DE-360) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down 6 March 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Ltd., Orange, Texas; launched 2 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Johnnie M. Hutchins, mother of Seaman First Class Hutchins; and commissioned 28 August 1944, Comdr. H. M. Godsey in command.