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 [then Lieutenant Commander] Miles Permenter Refo, III (NSN: 0-81076), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 4 June to 14 July 1944. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Commander Refo tendered inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer in the execution of attacks which resulted in the destruction of a large amount of enemy shipping and in the successful evasion of enemy countermeasures. His heroic conduct and zealous devotion to the completion of this hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon Commander Refo and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] Miles Permenter Refo, III (NSN: 0-81076), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during World War II. When a severe enemy depth charge caused his vessel to be blown almost to the surface just ahead of a large hostile vessel engaged in delivering another attack, Commander Refo speedily restored the damaged diving controls which enabled his vessel to submerge to safe depth, thereby saving the JACK from almost certain destruction. By his courage and skill during numerous other enemy attacks throughout the patrols, Commander Refo contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.