Alvin F. Gunther

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alvin F. Gunther, Chief Machinist’s Mate, U.S. Coast Guard, for gallantry in action while attached to the USCGC CAMPBELL (WMEC-909) on 22 February 1943, when an enemy submarine was severely damaged and sunk and during the ensuing period when the USCGC CAMPBELL, which was damaged in the engagement, was towed safely into port. Handicapped by rapidly rising water and the arcing of electrical equipment being sprayed with salt water, Gunther descended to the engine room bilges to establish more accurately the size and location of the hole in the ship’s side and to investigate the possibility of reducing the flooding. Afterwards his efficient assistance to the engineer officer of the watch helped minimize the damage to important machinery.