Benjamin C. Jarvis

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Benjamin C. Jarvis, 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. BAYA (SS-318), during her FOURTH War Patrol, in enemy-controlled waters from 20 April 1945 to 18 May 1945. His night surface attack, on 2 May against a convoy closely guarded by two wily radar equipped escorts was one of the outstanding attacks of this war. It was particularly noteworthy in that the Commanding Officer pressed home this attack in only seven fathoms of water, knowing from the start that submerged escape was impossible. The escorts detected BAYA and successfully maneuvered the convoy to avoid the torpedoes. With the range closed to 900 yards, BAYA changed course just in time to prevent ramming; and by the time the range was 1100 yards she was engulfed in a stream of 4.7″, 40-mm., and 20-mm. fire. After eighteen minutes of this bombardment, during which BAYA was illuminated, for a time, by searchlights, she miraculously escaped. For 24 hours BAYA pursued her prey until a second attack was frustrated. The courage, daring, and skill of this fighting team was again demonstrated when the Commanding Officer completely destroyed an entire convoy of two freighters and an escorting minelayer. This attack was also consummated in water too shallow for submergence and was beautifully executed. BAYA also performed valuable life guard service in support of air strikes over SIAGON. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Commander Jarvis throughout these particularly dangerous attacks, was truly great and indicative of the splendid fighting spirit of our armed forces. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men under his command and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.