Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr., 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. TROUT (SS-202), during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters during the period 24 March 1942 to 17 May 1942. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Lieutenant Commander Fenno took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks succeeded in sinking a total of 31,000 tons of enemy merchant shipping and damaging another merchantman of 15, 000 tons in the Pacific waters in immediate proximity to enemy shores. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Fenno 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.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 314 (May 1943)

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 Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr., 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. RUNNER (SS-275), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel during the period 18 January through 7 March 1943. While commanding his submarine in the Pacific area, Commander Fenno displayed daring aggressiveness and excellent professional ability in sinking three freighters and damaging two other vessels. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Fenno 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.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321 (December 1943)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. 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 during January to March 1942 in the performance of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department. Carrying a heavy load of antiaircraft 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 antiaircraft 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.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr., 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. TROUT (SS-202), in successfully completing an unusual and special mission through enemy controlled waters for the United States War Department during the month of January 1942. Upon completion of this mission, and while returning to Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, through enemy infested waters, with a special cargo on board, the U.S.S. Trout attacked and sank a 5,000 ton enemy merchant vessel on 10 February 1942. Furthermore, on the same date, upon being attacked by torpedoes from an enemy patrol vessel, the U.S.S. TROUT attacked and sank the enemy attacking ship, and continued her voyage to Pearl Harbor, arriving there without damage to material or injury to personnel throughout the hazardous operations.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)