The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Charles Herbert Andrews (NSN: 0-63312), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), a United States submarine, on war patrol in enemy controlled waters. In the face of strong enemy opposition, Commander Andrews conducted aggressive, skillful attacks, resulting in the destruction of over 17,000 tons of enemy shipping and damaging 9,000 tons. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Charles Herbert Andrews (NSN: 0-63312), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), a United States submarine, on a war patrol in enemy-controlled waters. On 20 December 1943, Commander Andrews made a daring night surface approach and attacked an escort freighter of 7,000 tons, severely damaging it. Again, on 24 December 1943, he contacted and executed a highly successful attack on an escorted convoy of three ships, which resulted in the sinking of two freighters of 5,000 and 6,000 tons respectively. While patrolling on 27 December 1943, he contacted an enemy armed transport with ten destroyer escorts. In spite of these escorts, he penetrated this heavy screen and aggressively executed a night surface attack, severely damaging this armed transport. By his courage and determination throughout this patrol he succeeded in sinking 11,000 tons and damaging 18,000 tons of enemy shipping and successfully evaded the severe enemy counter-measures encountered. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.