Roy M. Davenport

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Roy M. Davenport, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HADDOCK (SS-231), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 2 September 1943 to 28 September 1943, while that vessel was engaged in an aggressive and successful patrol against enemy Japanese in the Caroline Islands. Although operating in the presence of formidable concentrations of anti-submarine vessels, Lieutenant Commander Davenport pressed home a series of vigorous and persistent attacks which resulted in the sinking or damaging of an important amount of hostile shipping. Despite severe countermeasures on the part of the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Davenport brought his ship through many perilous encounters and his crew home without material damage or loss of life. His expert seamanship and cool courage in the face of great personal danger were 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 Roy M. Davenport, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HADDOCK (SS-231), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 October 1943 to 15 November 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Caroline Islands. With superb tactical skill, Commander Davenport maneuvered his ship into striking position and in a daring surface torpedo attack against a hostile destroyer search group, sank one of the Japanese warships then, during the ensuing confusion, carried out a successful surface retirement. Contacting two heavily escorted enemy convoys, he and his gallant command delivered accurate and devastating attacks against the hostile vessels, sinking a large amount of Japanese shipping. Commander Davenport’s inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Navy Cross to Roy M. Davenport, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TREPANG (SS-412), during the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 16 November 1944 to 20 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Straits. Daringly penetrating a strong hostile escort screen to deliver a series of night surface attacks, Commander Davenport launched his torpedoes into an escorted convoy, holding to his targets grimly in the face of heavy countermeasures and sinking an important amount of Japanese tonnage. During this excellently planned and brilliantly executed engagement, the TREPANG effectively coordinated her efforts with other submarines and, as a result of the combined firepower of these gallant ships, contributed to the destruction of the entire convoy within a period of three hours. A courageous and expert seaman, forceful and inspiring in his leadership, Commander Davenport, as Group Commander, was largely responsible for the outstanding success of this vital and hazardous mission. His gallant conduct and the exceptional combat readiness of his command reflect the highest credit upon Commander Davenport and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Roy M. Davenport, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TREPANG (SS-412), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 September 1944 to 23 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters south of Honshu, Japan. Effectively covering wide areas of the enemy’s shipping routes, Commander Davenport tracked Japanese surface forces with relentless determination, skillfully developing his contacts into highly aggressive torpedo attacks. Boldly launching his fire against hostile escorted convoys, he directed his command in the destruction of several important enemy vessels and continued his vigorous tactics by a night surface attack against a Japanese task force to sink or damage severely combatant ships of heavy fire power and vital to the enemy’s sustained prosecution of the war. His valiant ship-handling in evading severe enemy countermeasures despite the TREPANG’s inferior speed and highly phosphorescent seas and the gallant fighting spirit of the entire ship’s company reflect the highest credit upon Commander Davenport and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Roy M. Davenport, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HADOCK (SS-231), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 June 1943 to 10 August 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Caroline Islands. Throughout numerous hazardous war patrols in enemy-infested waters, Lieutenant Commander Davenport pressed home his attacks with cool and courageous determination and despite intense and persistent hostile opposition, succeeded in sinking over 10,500 tons of enemy shipping and damaging over 35,500 tons. His aggressive fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and the splendid efficiency of the men in his command contributed immeasurably to the success of our operations in this vital area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.