Alan B. Banister

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Alan B. Banister (0-62009), Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS-276), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 9 September 1944 to 8 November 1944, in enemy controlled waters. Commander Banister’s aggressive and excellently planned attacks against enemy shipping resulted in the sinking of enemy ships totaling more than 15,000 tons and in damaging shipping of more than 8,000 tons. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Banister brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 01164 (February 9, 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Alan B. Banister (0-62009), Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS-276), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 22 June 1944 to 15 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters. While on submarine patrol, despite unusually alert air screens maintained around a large enemy tanker of 9,500 tons, Commander Banister aggressively delivered a series of skillfully executed torpedo attacks to damage the tanker, before being forced to deep submergence by severe aerial bombing which prevented further attacks. Later, on 26 July 1944, Commander Banister contacted an enemy submarine of 1,900 tons. Sizing up the situation and realizing the necessity of an immediate attack, he aggressively delivered a spread of four torpedoes, three of which were direct hits and resulted in the sinking of this important enemy combatant unit. In spite of the severe enemy counterattacks, his intelligent and skillful evasive tactics enabled him to bring his ship to port undamaged. Commander Banister’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 05950 (October 26, 1944)