Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Sigmund Albert Bobczynski (NSN: 0-82637), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. ARCHERFISH (SS-311), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces in waters south of Honshu, Japan, from 30 October to 15 December 1944. Displaying excellent judgment and a thorough knowledge of attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Bobczynski rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in pressing home daring torpedo attacks against the enemy and on one occasion, following a six and one-half hour chase, aided in sinking a 28,000-ton aircraft carrier of the HAYATAKA Class. Continuing his valiant efforts throughout the patrol, he contributed to the success of the ARCHERFISH in evading enemy countermeasures. His ability, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Bobczynski and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gudgeon (SS-211)

    Action Date:

    July 11, 1942 – February 18, 1943

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 030271 (June 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Sigmund Albert Bobczynski (NSN: 0-82637), United States Navy, for heroic service while on board the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211) in action against enemy Japanese forces during the period from 11 July 1942 to 18 February 1943. On six different occasions, when his ship was violently depth-charged by the Japanese following attacks on escorted enemy vessels, Lieutenant Commander Bobczynski steadfastly manned his depth charge station and, with cool efficiency and skill, contributed immeasurably to the immediate rep-airing or minimizing of all damage sustained, thereby enabling the GUDGEON to evade further attacks. Lieutenant Commander Bobczynski’s courageous zeal and unwavering devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Archerfish (SS-311)

    Action Date:

    May 28 – July 15, 1944

    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 77 (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 Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Sigmund Albert Bobczynski (NSN: 0-82637), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. ARCHERFISH (SS-311), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 28 May to 15 July 1944. Skillfully performing his assigned duties, Lieutenant Commander Bobczynski rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer during approaches and attacks against hostile shipping, thereby contributing materially to the success of his vessel in sinking one enemy destroyer of 1,400 tons and in damaging two other Japanese vessels totaling 12,000 tons. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gudgeon (SS-211)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321 (December 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Sigmund Albert Bobczynski (NSN: 0-82637), United States Navy, for heroic conduct while serving aboard the U.S.S. GUDGEON (SS-211) during a war patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. Lieutenant Bobczynski’s courageous zeal and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.