(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Clarence J. Zurchen, United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. GUNNEL (SS-253), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 21 October 1944 to 28 December 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea. Lieutenant Commander Zurchen assisted his Commanding Officer in launching a well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attack against an enemy convoy which resulted in the sinking of a 10,000 ton tanker and another vessel of 4,000 tons and the damaging of two additional vessels totaling 11,300 tons. His sound tactical judgment and expert seamanship throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.