Creed C. Burlingame

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Creed C. Burlingame, 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. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), during the Second War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters during the period 15 July 1942 to 8 September 1942. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Lieutenant Commander Burlingame took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks succeeded in sinking 15,250 tons of enemy shipping and seriously damaging an additional 5,750 tons, without casualty to personnel of his own command. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Burlingame 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. 313 (April 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 Creed C. Burlingame, Captain [then Lieutenant Commander], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 17 December 1942 to 31 January 1943, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Captain Burlingame courageously launched a series of brilliant torpedo attacks to sink four enemy ships totaling 27, 785 tons and damaged an enemy submarine of 1995 tons. By his effective evasive tactics, he succeeded in escaping severe hostile countermeasures and in bringing his ship safe to port. Captain Burlingame’s leadership, courage and devotion to the completion of each perilous mission reflect the highest credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 0619 (November 18, 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Creed C. Burlingame, 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. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), during the First War Patrol of that vessel in the immediate vicinity of the enemy Japanese homeland during the period 30 April 1942 to 21 June 1942. Despite vigorous anti-submarine measures on the part of the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Burlingame, availing himself of every attack opportunity with courageous skill and efficiency, succeeded in sinking one 1,400-ton Japanese submarine and a total of 24,227 tons of enemy merchant shipping. After two offensives, the SILVERSIDES became a constant target for aggressive and prolonged counterattacks by the Japanese, but, under capable leadership and resourceful command, she came through without serious material damage. Lieutenant Commander Burlingame’s calm fortitude and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (April 1943)