CDR Hirshfirld on the bridge of USCGC Campbell

CDR Hirshfield on the Campbell's bridge

CDR Hirshfield reads a message brought by ENS Barring Coughlin

	JAMES A. HIRSHFIELD
	Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
	Ocean Escort Group A-3, USCG Campbell
	Date of Action: February 22, 1943
	Citation:
	The Navy Cross is presented to James A. Hirshfield, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism in line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the USCG Campbell during action against an enemy submarine on February 22, 1943. Surprising the hostile undersea craft on the surface during escort operations, Commander Hirshfield, in a quick attempt to ram, collided with the vessel and destroyed it in a fierce attack by depth charges and point-blank fire. Although painfully wounded by flying shell splinters, he gallantly remained in command throughout the action and during the subsequent period while the Campbell was towed safely into port with several prisoners from the sunken submarine.

 

VADM Russel R. Waesche, Commandant U.S. Coast Guard, pins Navy Cross on CDR James A. Hirshfield, CO CGC Campbell, who engaged 6 subs in 12 hours sinking one by ramming

CDR Hirshfield wearing the Navy Cross - CDR Hirshfield rose to the rank of Vice Admiral and served as Assistant Commandant of the United States Coast Guard - He passed away in May 1993 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery