The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 May to 7 July 1944, in enemy-infested Pacific waters. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike enemy shipping, Commander Fyfe launched three bold, aggressive torpedo attacks to sink three enemy vessels totaling over 8,000 tons despite severe hostile countermeasures. Subsequently, he launched a fierce running gun battle to sink a large enemy trawler and yacht-type escort. Commander Fyfe's expert seamanship and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Source: Link. Note: His first Silver Star was awarded on his performance as Assistant Approach Officer in the U.S.S. Sandlance (SS-381) on its First War Patrol.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 1 August to 12 September 1944. Operating in the restricted waters close to enemy-held islands in the Palau area, Commander Fyfe skillfully maneuvered his submarine close to the inadequately charted Valacoo and Bruangl Reefs and sank two Japanese lead-type destroyers, pressing home these attacks despite the fact that several enemy anti-submarine craft were closely operating in the immediate vicinity and enemy aircraft continually circled overhead. By his expert seamanship navigating his vessel through the perilous waters, he rendered ineffective all enemy attempts to counterattack. After action, he repeatedly maintained his submarine on assigned stations ready to assist our aircraft engaged in operational bombing of this inland group. His professional skill, indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Commander Fyfe and the United States Naval Service. Source: Link.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 October to 1 December 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters ion the Pacific Ocean Area. A skilled and aggressive leader, Commander Fyfe penetrated strong enemy escort screens to launch repeated attacks against enemy shipping and, by his expert ship-handling, contributed to the success of the BATFISH in sinking a hostile warship and in damaging several smaller craft despite severe enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men and the United States Naval Service. Source: Link.

For meritorious service in action as Torpedo Data Computer operator of the U.S.S. BATFISH during her THIRD War Patrol in enemy-controlled waters from May 26, 1944 to July 7, 1944. By his skill, intelligence, judgment, highly proficient operation of the Torpedo Data Computer and quick analysis of fire control problems, Lieutenant Robert G. BLACK rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer. In furnishing prompt and accurate fire control information he made possible the sinking of over 9,000 tons of enemy shipping by the BATFISH during her third war patrol. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

For distinguishing himself by meritorious conduct in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. BATFISH during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 11 December 1943 to 30 January 1944. As Radio Technician 1st Class, his exceptional skill and high degree of proficiency at this battle station materially assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy passenger-freighters totaling 15,680 tons. His coolness and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success for his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For meritorious service in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. BATFISH during the FIFTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 8 October to 1 December 1944. As Assistant Approach Officer, his excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems, assisted his commanding Officer considerably in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships, including a destroyer escort, for a total of 5,000 tons, and the damaging of two additional enemy ships totaling 4,300 tons. His coolness and devotion to duty were direct contributions to the success of his vessel in evading very severe enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For distinguishing himself by meritorious conduct in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. BATFISH during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 11 December 1943 to 30 January 1944. As Plotting Officer, his outstanding skill, excellent judgment, and coordination of important information, assisted his Commanding Officer considerably in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of two passenger-freighters totaling 15,680 tons. His coolness and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success for his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For distinguishing himself by meritorious conduct in action in the line of his profession as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH during her THIRD War Patrol in enemy-controlled waters, in which she sank over 9,000 tons of enemy shipping. By his outstanding skill, excellent depth control and courage in the face of strong anti-submarine measures, Lieutenant (jg) Wayne L. MCCANN made possible undetected approaches, in flat seas to close firing range of enemy vessels, against which several successful attacks were made and subsequent damage from most sever anti-submarine measure avoided by his ship. His conduct and performance of duty throughout were an inspiration to the officers and men of his ship and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Lieutenant Peter G. MOLTENI

For meritorious service in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. BATFISH during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 11 December 1943 to 30 January 1944.  As Assistant Approach Officer, his thorough knowledge of attack problems and outstanding ability and proficiency assisted his Commanding Officer considerably in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of two passenger-freighters totaling 15,680 tons. His coolness and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men of the United States Naval Service.

For distinguishing himself by meritorious conduct in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. BATFISH during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 11 December 1943 to 30 January 1944. As Chief Electricians Mate, his exceptional skill and high degree of proficiency at this battle station materially assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy passenger-freighters totaling 15,680 tons. His coolness and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success for his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bronze Star Medal

For meritorious service in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. BATFISH during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 11 December 1943 to 30 January 2944. As Chief of the Boat, his industry, skill, and able supervision in maintaining a high state of readiness in the Control Room at all times, were of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy passenger freighters totaling 15,680 tons. His coolness and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Letter of Commendation & Ribbon

Silver Star Medal

Bronze Star Medal

Silver Star Medal