James Charles Dempsey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to James Charles Dempsey, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SPEARFISH (SS-190), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 March 1943 to 20 May 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Dempsey 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 the Navy Cross to James Charles Dempsey, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-37 (SS-142), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the month of February 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Makassar Strait. During a night surface attack against a division of Japanese destroyers on 8 February 1942, Lieutenant Dempsey attacked a Japanese convoy, torpedoing and sinking the destroyer Natsushiro. In this action ship became the first U.S. submarine ever to sink an enemy destroyer. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Dempsey 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