The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander David Zabriskie, Jr. (NSN: 0-77048), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during SIX consecutive War Patrols of a United States Submarine during World War II, in which seventeen enemy vessels have been sunk or damaged. His courage and skill have, during these patrols, contributed greatly to the success of the ship in each attack made on the enemy. During these six patrols he performed duties as Navigator, Diving Officer, Assistant Approach Officer, and Officer-of-the-Deck. In all of these assignments his courage and ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Herring (SS-233)Action Date:
May 16 – June 1, 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 07500 (December 12, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander David Zabriskie, Jr. (NSN: 0-77048), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HERRING (SS-233) during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy waters from 16 May to 1 June 1944. Pursuing highly aggressive and tenacious tactics, despite extremely strong enemy countermeasures, he daringly penetrated escort screens to successfully launch well planned torpedo attacks against enemy ships. These highly successful attacks resulted in the sinking of a KAMIKAZE Class destroyer of 1,200 tons and a ISHIGAKI Class destroyer escort of 500 tons before overwhelming enemy counterattacks damaged his submarine so severely that she was unable to return to port. His conduct and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.