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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Philip Weaver Garnett (NSN: 0-72336), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SARGO (SS-188) on the NINTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in the Pacific War Area, from 15 October to 9 December 1943. Contacting a hostile convoy with destroyer escort, Commander Garnett fearlessly conned his ship into advantageous striking position, submerged and attacked, seriously damaging a Japanese tanker. Skillfully evading a heavy enemy counterattack and finding the ship still afloat, he again surfaced and sank it by gunfire. Relentlessly pursuing the convoy during the following two days, he succeeded in sinking an additional; amount of hostile tonnage and, although severely counterattacked, brought his ship back to port with only minor damage. His brilliant leadership and the loyal devotion to duty of his officers and men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sargo (SS-188)

    Action Date:

    January 26 – March 12, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander Philip Weaver Garnett (NSN: 0-72336), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SARGO (SS-188) during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Tenacious and skillful in developing two of the four contacts made with Japanese convoys, Commander Garnett maneuvered boldly to close the targets and launch brilliantly executed torpedo attacks despite the enemy’s efforts to keep him down, sinking one hostile freighter and damaging a large naval tanker and an additional freighter. Although boxed in by escorts while attempting to complete the destruction of the crippled ships, he evaded the most severe depth-charge attacks and brought the SARGO through undamaged. A gallant leader and seaman, Commander Garnett contributed essentially to the effectiveness of our sustained drive to block the enemy’s vital shipping lanes and his inspiring devotion to duty throughout a hazardous war patrol was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.