Charles C. Kirkpatrick

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Charles C. Kirkpatrick, 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. TRITON (WW-201), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 June 1942 to 7 September 1942, in enemy controlled waters of Southwest Pacific. By expert maneuvering he brought his boat safely through without material damage and his crew home without injury or loss of life. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Kirkpatrick 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 Charles C. Kirkpatrick, 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. TRITON (WW-201), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 16 December 1942 to 26 January 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By expert maneuvering Lieutenant Commander Kirkpatrick brought his boat safely through without material damage and his crew home without injury or loss of life. 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 Distinguished Service Cross to Charles C. Kirkpatrick, 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. TRITON, in action against enemy forces on 26 January 1943, during a Submarine patrol in the Pacific War Area. Lieutenant Commander Kirkpatrick’s outstanding accomplishments, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles C. Kirkpatrick, 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. TRITON (SS-201), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 April 1942 through 14 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Taking advantage of every favorable attack with alert skill and courageous efficiency, in aggressive patrol action, Lieutenant Commander Kirkpatrick succeeded in sinking a total of 22,593 tons of enemy merchant shipping and an enemy submarine. By expert maneuvering Lieutenant Commander Kirkpatrick brought his boat safely through without material damage and his crew home without injury or loss of life. 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. 317 (August 1943)