Thomas B. Klakring’s FIRST Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Thomas Burton Klakring

lIEUTENANT cOMMANDER, United States Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the aggressive and successful FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters near Honshu, Japan, during the period 6 August 1942 to 15 September 1942. Taking advantage of every attack opportunity with alert skill and courageous efficiency, Lieutenant Commander Klakring succeeded in sinking one 8,215-ton Japanese auxiliary warship, and a total of 42,840 tons of Japanese merchant shipping, and damaged a 7,000-ton Japanese freighter. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, he brought his ship safely through without material damage and his crew home without injury or loss of life. His gallant leadership and resourceful command were an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.