Chester W. Nimitz, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chester W. Nimitz, Jr., 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. HADDO (SS-255), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 August 1944 to 3 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Lieutenant Commander Nimitz skillfully directed his vessel in a series of successful torpedo attacks and a gun attack on Japanese men-of-war and escorted merchant shipping. With outstanding aggressiveness and determination to inflict the maximum damage on enemy forces, he engaged and sank several enemy warships. In further attacks on heavily escorted convoys, he accounted for a total of 17,100 tons of shipping sunk and 1,300 tons damaged. Throughout this daring and dangerous patrol he displayed sound tactical judgment in his decisions on all attacks and maneuvered his ship expertly. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Nimitz 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. 340 (July 1945)