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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving aboard the Submarine U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), in action against enemy Japanese forces during World War II. As Torpedo Data Computer Operator and ship’s spotter for the battery during five war patrols in dangerous, enemy-controlled waters, Lieutenant Commander Lynch performed his essential duties with expert professional skill and splendid initiative, thereby greatly assisting his Commanding Officer in the sinking or damaging of many thousand tons of hostile shipping and war vessels. On one occasion, assuming command of a rescue expedition, he further distinguished himself by his capable direction of the rescue operations, successfully bringing refugees back to his ship. Lieutenant Commander Lynch’s exemplary conduct and outstanding courage throughout these missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 20, 1967 – January 19, 1968
    Board Serial 00158 (April 4, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service from 20 July 1967 to 19 January 1968, as Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier. Exercising brilliant leadership, professional ability, and perseverance, Rear Admiral Lynch commanded naval operations in the Mid-Pacific which made a highly significant contribution to the national defense effort. Demonstrating an exceptional grasp of a variety of operations, a keen judgment, and an infectious enthusiasm for the task at hand, he planned and executed eminently successful spacecraft recovery, antisubmarine warfare, intelligence collection, and search and rescue operations. Rear Admiral Lynch’s distinguished achievements and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168)

    Action Date:

    January 1, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving aboard the Submarine U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), during World War II. During NAUTILUS’s FOURTH War Patrol she sank one MINE-KAXE Class destroyer, probably sank a medium-sized transport and a medium-sized cargo ship, severely damaged a large tanker, and obtained one torpedo hit on a MOGAMI Class heavy cruiser. NAUTILUS’s first three patrols, the second of which included raider action against Makin Island, were also highly successful, and gained for her Commanding Officer the award of the Navy Cross and one Star. Lieutenant Lynch served as Gunnery and Torpedo Officer, as First Lieutenant, and as the Assistant Approach Officer, and distinguished himself during all the actions of NAUTILUS’s War Patrols. Furthermore, as the officer in charge of a rescue expedition in enemy controlled waters, in the early morning of 1 January 1943, he rendered heroic service in evacuating twenty-nine persons from Bougainville Island and bringing them safely to his ship. His actions have been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168)

    Action Date:

    November 8 – December 4, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Gilbert Islands, 8 November to 4 December 1943. After his submarine had been severely damaged by shell fire, Commander Lynch furnished valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in landing a detachment of Marines on Apamama Island. By his skill in controlling his crippled ship below test depth, he permitted emergency repairs to be effected, thereby contributing to the subsequent bombardment by his ship of the island, which broke the resistance of the enemy and aided in permitting its capture by our landing force. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Skate (SS-305)

    Action Date:

    April 11 – July 4, 1945
    Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 02268 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 11 April 1945 to 4 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Sea of Japan. Penetrating strong anti-submarine barriers, Commander Lynch entered the shallow waters of an enemy harbor and, launching torpedo attacks, succeeded in sinking five hostile ships, totaling 8,650 tons, and in damaging an enemy freighter of 4,000 tons. Skillfully maneuvering his ship through the danger area, he evaded severe enemy countermeasures and returned his vessel safe to port. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Lynch and the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168)

    Action Date:

    January 1, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 8432 (June 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant] Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for heroic service as Gunnery and Torpedo Officer, as First Lieutenant and as Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168), engaged in War Patrols in enemy-controlled waters. Displaying outstanding skill in the performance of duty, Commander Lynch rendered gallant service not only during the period of successful patrol operations but specifically while acting as officer-in-charge of a rescue expedition in hostile waters, by effecting the evacuation of twenty-nine persons from Bougainville Island and bringing them safely back to the NAUTILUS in the early morning of 1 January 1943. His personal valor and intrepidity reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service. (Commander Lynch is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Nautilus (SS-168)

    Action Date:

    September 16 – October 16, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Navigator of the U.S.S. NAUTILUS (SS-168) during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the vicinity of the Gilbert Islands, from 16 September to 16 October 1943. By his skill and excellent judgment, Commander Lynch was of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in successfully completing an important photographic mission in hazardous enemy-held waters. His coolness and devotion to duty under fire were contributing factors in the evasion of attacking enemy aircraft and surface units, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seawolf (SS-197)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1944 – July 7, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAWOLF (SS-197) during the THIRTEENTH War Patrol of that submarine, covering the period from 4 June 1944 to 7 July 1944. His daring and determination in closing the shore line around enemy held islands, despite the numerous shore radar stations, surface patrols, and enemy aircraft almost constantly overhead, to obtain excellent and highly valuable photographs of enemy installations, were outstanding. He also successfully rescued two Naval aviators from the sea after their plane had been forced down close to the vicinity of the SEAWOLF. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Lynch is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1965 – June 1967
    Board Serial 4944 (June 29, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service from June 1965 through June 1967 as Chief, European Division, Plans and Policy Directorate, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Responsible to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the preparation of positions on strategic and political/military matters pertaining to Europe, Rear Admiral Lynch exercised direct supervision on the Joint Staff in connection with the planning, coordination, and implementation of the relocation of United States forces and installations from France. Demonstrating keen foresight and unusual perception, he was directly responsible for the production of a wide range of plans and the formulation of national military policy pertaining to Europe and NATO, pinpointing potential problem areas and insuring timely action to overcome or lessen the impact on complex and controversial problems. As the Joint Chiefs of Staff representative on the European Interdepartmental Regional Group, Rear Admiral Lynch was directly responsible for the consistently thorough and timely provision of political/military advice and guidance on matters of utmost importance to the security of the United States. His exceptional ability to produce meaningful, concise, and workable solutions to problems of grave significance, referred to his division, exerted a profound influence on the position of the United States in military matters. By his distinguished performance of duty, Rear Admiral Lynch upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Skate (SS-305)

    Action Date:

    September 8 – November 2, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0619 (November 18, 1946)

    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 Lieutenant Commander Richard Barr Lynch (NSN: 0-74860), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy waters from 8 September 1944 to 2 November 1944. Through his exceptional skill and aggressiveness, despite adverse conditions of weather and premature torpedo explosions, Lieutenant Commander Lynch successfully penetrated strong enemy escort screens to launch skillful and well-planned torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships totaling 7,690 tons, and the damaging of an enemy cruiser of 3,200 tons. His intelligent evasive tactics enabled him to avoid severe enemy anti-submarine measures and bring his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.