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 Lawrence Virginius Julihn (NSN: 0-78824), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters during World War II. His aggressive spirit, excellent judgment and resourcefulness, and coolness under counter-attacks were outstanding and were of great assistance to the Commanding Officer during attacks which resulted in the sinking of 20,000 tons of enemy tankers and the damaging of 18,000 tons of shipping, including a destroyer. His outstanding courage and leadership were an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship. 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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Lawrence Virginius Julihn (NSN: 0-78824), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), in action against enemy forces from 7 December 1941 to 10 March 1943. During this period of successful operations, Lieutenant Commander Julihn skillfully analyzed the torpedo problem while his ship, in constant danger of attack by hostile surface vessels and aircraft, was engaged in numerous actions against enemy shipping. Through his outstanding professional ability he rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in sinking nine enemy vessels, totaling 54,000 tons, and in damaging another 41,000 tons. He performed additional duties as Torpedo Officer, operating the torpedo data computer thoroughly and accurately. His courageous and effective supervision of his depth charge station during twenty attacks by hostile forces greatly aided in the prevention and control of damage to his vessel. The exemplary conduct and valiant devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Julihn under extremely hazardous conditions were an inspiration to his associates and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.