Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Chief Water Tender, U.S. Navy

Unit:

U.S.S. Princeton (CVL 23), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 26th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), in action against the enemy on 24 October 1944, at Luzon during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. After his ship had been hit by a bomb from an enemy aircraft Chief Watertender Strickland remained at his post despite dense smoke and extreme heat, directing efforts to continue operation of the ship's boilers. When orders were received to evacuate the area, he sent all his men to safety but remained in the fireroom attempting alone to keep the ship's engines operating although conditions in the fireroom were rapidly becoming too severe for human endurance. His courage and utter disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01400 (February 26, 1945)