Reuben Thornton Whitaker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Reuben Thornton Whitaker, 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. FLASHER (SS-249), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 19 June 1944 to 7 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Whitaker 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 a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Reuben Thornton Whitaker, 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. FLASHER (SS-249), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 August 1944 to 20 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Whitaker 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 Reuben Thornton Whitaker, 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. FLASHER (SS-249), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 6 January 1944 to 29 February 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Whitaker 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.