George Levick Street III

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] George Levick Street, III (NSN: 0-78745), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. TIRANTE (SS-420) during the First War Patrol of that vessel against enemy Japanese surface forces in the harbor of Quelpart Island, off the coast of Korea, on 14 April 1945. With the crew at surface battle stations, Commander Street approached the hostile anchorage from the south within 1,200 yards of the coast to complete a reconnoitering circuit of the island. Leaving the 10-fathom curve far behind he penetrated the mined and shoal-obstructed waters of the restricted harbor despite numerous patrolling vessels and in defiance of five shore-based radar stations and menacing aircraft. Prepared to fight it out on the surface if attacked, Commander Street went into action, sending two torpedoes with deadly accuracy into a large Japanese ammunition ship and exploding the target in a mountainous and blinding glare of white flames. With the TIRANTE instantly spotted by the enemy as she stood out plainly in the flare of light, he ordered the torpedo data computer set up while retiring and fired his last two torpedoes to disintegrate in quick succession the leading frigate and a similar flanking vessel. Clearing the gutted harbor at emergency full speed ahead, he slipped undetected along the shoreline, diving deep as a pursuing patrol dropped a pattern of depth charges at the point of submergence. His illustrious record of combat achievement during the First War Patrol of the TIRANTE characterizes Commander Street as a daring and skilled leader and reflects the highest credit upon himself, his valiant command, and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George Levick Street, III, 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. TIRANTE (SS-420), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 May 1945 to 19 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. During this hazardous war patrol in enemy waters, Lieutenant Commander Street made skillful and aggressive attacks which resulted in the sinking of three ships and numerous small craft totaling approximately 7,500 tons. In addition, his entry into hazardous waters in which an enemy collier and docking facilities were destroyed was particularly outstanding. He skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and through his experience and sound judgment he brought his ship safely back to port. Lieutenant Commander Street’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.