Henry Chester Bruton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Henry Chester Bruton (0-60171), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS-213). Lieutenant Commander Bruton conducted an aggressive and successful war patrol in enemy controlled waters, during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel, from 23 September 1942 to 1 November 1942. He distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against armed enemy forces and by his skill, courage, aggressiveness and determination, succeeded in sinking a total of 32,050 tons of enemy shipping, besides damaging severely one converted aircraft carrier of 22,000 tons. Despite numerous patrol craft on anti-submarine patrol and enemy counter efforts, Lieutenant Commander Bruton brought his ship through unscathed and his crew home without loss or injury and in splendid offensive spirits. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 03549(December 10, 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Henry Chester Bruton (0-60171), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS-213), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters during the period 9 December 1942 through 31 January 1943. Lieutenant Commander Bruton adeptly and daringly maneuvered his ship into positions from which to strike the enemy, and aggressively attacked, sinking one 1,500 ton destroyer, three medium-sized cargo vessels, and one small escort vessel, a total of 20,700 tons, and damaging a large tanker of 9,000 tons. He handled his ship expertly to avoid damage from enemy counter measures. His actions and conduct are a continuation of his illustrious record, and are in keeping with the best traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Commander, Southwest Pacific Forces: Serial 0214 (February 18, 1943)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Henry Chester Bruton (0-60171), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS-213), in the successful conduct of an offensive war patrol during the SECOND War Patrol of that vessel from 10 July 1942 until 1 September 1942. In spite of strong enemy counter measures, Lieutenant Commander Bruton coolly and courageously pressed home every favorable attack opportunity and succeeded in sinking a total of 23,950 tons of enemy merchant shipping. During one depth charge attack, depth charges were dropping sufficiently close to jar personnel from their feet and to cause minor damage throughout the ship, but he brought his ship through and his crew home without loss and in splendid offensive spirits. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 24