Frank W. Fenno Jr.’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), while operating his submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 12 January 1942 to 3 March 1942, in the performance of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department. Carrying a heavy load of anti-aircraft ammunition urgently needed by the beleaguered forces of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippine Islands, the U.S.S. TROUT departed from Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii for Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, at 0900, 12 January 1942, refueling at Midway Island on 16 January 1942. The TROUT proceeded on the surface until 21 January, traveling submerged thereafter during daylight hours. At 0230, 27 January, an unsuccessful night attack was made on a lighted enemy vessel, resulting in the TROUT being chased by the vessel at such speed as to force the TROUT to dive in order to escape. On 3 February 1942, after dark, the TROUT made rendezvous off Corregidor with an escort motor torpedo boat. The TROUT then followed the escort at high speed through a winding passage in a mine field to South Docks, Corregidor Island, where she unloaded 3500 rounds of anti-aircraft artillery ammunition for the Army Forces defending Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. Twenty tons of gold and silver, securities, diplomatic and United States mail and two additional torpedoes were loaded on the TROUT for the return voyage. The TROUT cleared Corregidor dock at 0400, 4 February, and bottomed in Manila Bay during daylight 4 February. Surfacing that night, additional securities and mail were loaded before the TROUT departed from Manila Bay through the mine field. On the return trip one enemy merchant vessel and one patrol vessel were attacked and sunk. The TROUT arrived at Pearl harbor 3 March 1942 after 51 days at sea. Lieutenant Commander Fenno’s example of fearlessness, zeal and devotion to duty resulted in the accomplishment of a mission of great service to the Army of the United States.