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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Seaman First Class Johnnie D. Hutchins, USNR, (1922-1943)
Johnnie David Hutchins was born on 4 August 1922 in Weimer, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an Apprentice Seaman from that state in November 1942. Completing recruit training at Naval Training Station, San Diego, California, he was promoted to Seaman Second Class in January 1943. Following additional training with landing craft in April, he received orders to LST-473. The following month, Hutchins was promoted to Seaman First Class.
On 4 September 1943, LST-473 came under attack approaching the beaches for an assault against the Japanese at Lae, Papua, New Guinea. After the vessel was hit by an aerial bomb, Hutchins was thrown from the pilot house. Mortally wounded and quickly realizing that a torpedo was swiftly on target towards his vessel, he immediately grasped the wheel and maneuvered the ship to safety. He then succumbed to his injuries while still at the wheel. For his "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous valor" on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Johnnie D. Hutchins is buried at Lakeside Cemetery, Eagle Lake, Texas.
USS Johnnie Hutchins (DE 360), (1944-1972), was named in honor of Seaman First Class Johnnie D. Hutchins.
This page features the only image we have concerning Johnnie D. Hutchins.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 91798
Seaman First Class Johnnie D. Hutchins, USNR
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official
publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 207.
Johnnie D. Hutchins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for
"extraordinary heroism and conspicuous valor" while serving on board
LST-473 during the assault against Japanese forces on Lea, New Guinea, 4 September 1943.
U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
Online Image: 63KB; 580 x 765 pixels
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Medal of Honor citation of Seaman First Class Johnnie D. Hutchins, USNR
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor,
1861-1949, The Navy", page 207):
"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." |
NOTES:
To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here
are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded
and used for any purpose.
Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit
lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center".
Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval
History and Heritage Command".
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Page made 22 November 2008
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