Oliver G. Kirk

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Oliver G. Kirk, 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. S-42 (SS-153), in action on 11 May 1942, during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific In a night submerged attack, Lieutenant Commander Kirk fired four Mark-10 steam torpedoes at the OKINOSHIMA, obtaining hits on the enemy vessel. Heavily damaged after six hours of depth charging, he made a valiant withdrawal to save his ship. Lieutenant Commander Kirk’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.