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 Lieutenant Commander Robert Lakin Gurnee, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. REDFISH (SS-395), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 25 October 1944 to 2 January 1945. Expertly handling attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Gurnee rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks to sink enemy ships totaling over 36,000 tons and to inflict damage on another of over 29,000 tons despite severe enemy countermeasures. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Robert Lakin Gurnee, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on board a United States Submarine, throughout three War Patrols of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Relieving the sightsetter and taking his place at the gun during a surface engagement with an enemy auxiliary sailing cargo vessel, Lieutenant Commander Gurnee rallied the crew under hostile rifle fire and, by his expert spotting and direction, aided in destroying the armed Japanese craft. Performing all assigned duties with superb professional ability, he rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in pressing home bold and aggressive attacks against Japanese surface vessels, contributing immeasurably to the success of the submarine in sinking and damaging an important amount of enemy shipping. His outstanding leadership, cool courage and unwavering devotion to the completion of each perilous mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Gurnee and the United States Naval Service.