Thomas B. Klakring’s SECOND Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to

Thomas Burton Klakring

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, United States Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 September 1942 to 28 November 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Daringly pressing home attacks on Japanese shipping, Lieutenant Commander Klakring skillfully maneuvered his ship in hostile waters, sinking 15,400 tons of enemy vessels and severely damaging one freighter of 7,200 tons. Despite enemy counter efforts of depth charges from aircraft and gun attacks from surface vessels, he handled the FUARDFISH with such outstanding seamanship and excellent judgment that he was able to bring her through without damage and his crew home without loss or injury. Lieutenant Commander Klakring’s courageous devotion to duty and intrepid fighting spirit reflect great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Naval Service.