Frederick J. Harlfinger II

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frederick J. Harlfinger, II, 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. TRIGGER (SS-237) on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 March 1944 to 20 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters. In spite of extremely strong escort screens, Lieutenant Commander Harlfinger skillfully avoided detection and penetrated these escort screens, and through his daring and aggressive determination, delivered torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy shipping and successfully sank four enemy passenger-freighters and an enemy destroyer totaling 18,050 tons. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.