The Navy Cross, the highest Navy honor, was presented to Robert J. Hammond.
The Silver Star was awarded posthumously to Duane Hodges "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the USS Pueblo during the unwarranted attack upon that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval forces.... by his courage, initiative, and inspiring dedication, [he] reflected credit upon himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
And, to Carl F. Schumacher " For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When PUEBLO came under heavy fire from these North Korean units, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Schumacher, as Operations Officer, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire while organizing and providing the necessary supervision to ensure the destruction of all classified materials under his purview. Through his inspiring leadership, courage, and dedication in the face of hostile fire, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
The Bronze Star (Combat V) was presented to Ron K. Berens, Robert J. Chicca,Timothy L . Harris, Peter M. Langenberg,Wendell G. Leach and F. Carl Schumacher.
The citation read "For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Navy Commendation
Medal (Combat V)
The Navy Commendation Medal (Combat V) was given to all military crew members.
The citation stated "For meritorious services as crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Withstanding the continual harassment of beatings, threats, personal indignities, and malicious propaganda, he successfully resisted all attempts by the North Koreans to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. By virtue of his loyalty to the United States and his courage, he participated in several successful actions to discredit the international propaganda efforts of his captors, thus also contributing to improved morale among his fellow prisoners. Through his leadership and dedication to duty, he reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
All PUEBLO crew members, including civilians, who had been prisoners in North Korea were authorized the Prisoner of War Medal. The POW medal was presented on May 5, 1990, during ceremonies in San Diego, California.
The Purple Heart was awarded to ten crew members for wounds received during the attack on the USS PUEBLO by the North Korean military, and to all crew members for injuries received while enduring torture and beatings by the North Korean military personnel while imprisoned.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
All
military crew members were authorized the Armed Forces Expeditionary
Medal.
All
military crew members were authorized the Combat Action Ribbon
for North Korean attack on 23 January 1968.
Navy Distinguished Civilian Service
The
Distinguished Civilian Service was awarded to Dunnie R. Tuck,
Jr., the senior oceanographer "...for meritorious service...
his resistance to the North Korean attempts to use him in causes
detrimental to the United States and his unwavering devotion to
his Government... he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Navy Superior Civilian Service
The
Superior Civilian Service metal was awarded to Harry Iredale,
the junior oceanographer, "...for meritorious service...
his resistance to the North Korean attempts to use him in causes
detrimental to the United States and his unwavering devotion to
his Government... he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Naval Achievement Medal (Combat V)
The Naval Achievement Medal (Combat V) was given to Rushel J. Blansett, Monroe O. Goldman, Charles B. Law, Jr., Lawrence W. Mack, , John Mitchell, Clifford C. Nolte, Ralph E. Reed and Angelo S. Strano.
"It is against Navy policy to give civilians military decorations for heroism..." (Navy Times, November 20, 1974)