Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Jack Randolph Crutchfield (NSN: 0-77067), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. TRITON (SS-201), during the highly successful THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine from 13 April to 14 June 1942. Through his painstaking efforts and effective indoctrination and training of all personnel connected with the submerged ship control party he was enabled to maintain depth and trim control under most adverse and difficult conditions during three separate severe depth charge attacks. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Triton (SS-201)

    Action Date:

    June 24, 1942 – March 1943

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04780 (September 21, 1944)

    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 Jack Randolph Crutchfield (NSN: 0-77067), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. TRITON (SS-201), during the FOURTH, FIFTH, and SIXTH War Patrols of that Submarine from 24 June 1942 until March 1943. As engineer and Electrical Officer during these War Patrols, his efficient maintenance of the equipment in his department maintained that department in an excellent state of material readiness and reliability, and able to meet the demands placed upon it throughout all patrols, and attacks made against enemy shipping. As Diving Officer, his painstaking efforts and most effective indoctrination and training of all personnel connected with the submerged ship’s control party, enabled him to maintain depth and trim control of his vessel under the most adverse and difficult conditions during severe depth-charge attacks, thereby permitting successful evasion of enemy anti-submarine measures. His courage and high degree of skill, directly contributed to his ship’s successful attacks upon enemy ships which resulted in the sinking of seven enemy ships, including two destroyers, totaling 20,408 tons and damaging two enemy ships totaling 14,200 tons. His conduct and devotion to duty during these war patrols were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.