Thomas B. Klakring

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Thomas B. Klakring, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 September 1942 to 28 November 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Klakring 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.

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 Thomas B. Klakring, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 2 January 1943 to 15 February 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Klakring 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.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas B. Klakring, 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. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters near Honshu, Japan, during the period 6 August 1942 to 15 September 1942. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Lieutenant Commander Klakring took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks succeeded in sinking an 8,215-ton Japanese auxiliary warship, a total of 42,840 tons of Japanese merchant shipping, and damaged a 7,000-ton Japanese freighter. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Klakring 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)