Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Frank
Wesley
Fenno
, Jr.
September 11, 1902

–

September 16, 1973

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Frank Fenno graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1925. He retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Trout (SS-202)

    Action Date:

    January 12 – March 3, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: SERIAL 1123 (April 6, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), in successfully completing an unusual and special mission through enemy controlled waters for the United States War Department during the month of January 1942. Upon completion of this mission, and while returning to Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, through enemy infested waters, with a special cargo on board, the U.S.S. Trout attacked and sank a 5,000 ton enemy merchant vessel on 10 February 1942. Furthermore, on the same date, upon being attacked by torpedoes from an enemy patrol vessel, the U.S.S. TROUT attacked and sank the enemy attacking ship, and continued her voyage to Pearl Harbor, arriving there without damage to material or injury to personnel throughout the hazardous operations.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Trout (SS-202)

    Action Date:

    March 24 – May 17, 1942
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 26 (November 27, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters during the period 24 March 1942 to 17 May 1942. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Lieutenant Commander Fenno took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks succeeded in sinking a total of 31,000 tons of enemy merchant shipping and damaging another merchantman of 15, 000 tons in the Pacific waters in immediate proximity to enemy shores. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Fenno brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Runner (SS-275)

    Action Date:

    January 18 – March 7, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 34

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RUNNER (SS-275), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel during the period 18 January through 7 March 1943. Despite determined enemy opposition he succeeded in sinking three freighters for a total of 19,915 tons and damaging two freighters totaling 14,189 tons. Despite the extreme counter efforts of the enemy anti-submarine vessels and aircraft he handled his boat in such an expert manner that he brought it through. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    May 4, 1944 – June 27, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04898 (September 25, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of a coordinated attack group of Submarines operating from 4 May 1944 to 27 June 1944; in waters northwest of Guam. By his outstanding administrative ability and knowledge of submarine warfare, and as a result of many material contributions and efficient handling of this attack group, the submarines under his command sank five enemy ships including an escort vessel and a destroyer for a total of 24,700 tons and damaged two enemy ships totaling 15,000 tons. Much of the credit for these submarines’ aggressiveness and successful attacks, despite severe enemy countermeasures and in being broken up to search for downed friendly aviators, was due to his efficient administration and inspiring leadership in coordinating these submarines into a successful attack force. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    November 1958 – October 1960
    Chief of Naval Operations: Serial 065PO9B2 (March 24, 1961)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from November 1958 to October 1960. Rear Admiral Fenno has displayed exceptional initiative, leadership, and wisdom in evaluating the Cuban political climate. During the period of his outstanding service, Guantanamo By has been a particularly sensitive Base, due to local instability, misunderstanding, and tension. While planning and preparing for any eventuality, Rear Admiral Fenno, by sound judgment, good management, outstanding tact, diplomacy and leadership, has added to the prestige of the United States, met and exceeded all requirements of his assignment, and maintained morale at an incredibly high level. His performance of duty has been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    September 1943 – September 1945
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 02525 (October 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE from September 1943 to March 1945, and as Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR from March 1945 to September 1945. As a result of his remarkable executive and administrative ability, excellent judgment and able supervision, the submarines of Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE and Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR completed many successful war patrols in enemy waters and were credited with sinking and damaging many thousands of tons of enemy shipping. Much of the success of the submarines under his command was due to his brilliant foresight, initiative, and excellent advice, and have contributed materially to the successful prosecution of submarine warfare in the Pacific area. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Trout (SS-202)

    Action Date:

    January 12 – March 3, 1942
    Headquarters, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39 (March 17, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), while operating his submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 12 January 1942 to 3 March 1942, in the performance of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department. Carrying a heavy load of anti-aircraft ammunition urgently needed by the beleaguered forces of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippine Islands, the U.S.S. TROUT departed from Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii for Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, at 0900, 12 January 1942, refueling at Midway Island on 16 January 1942. The TROUT proceeded on the surface until 21 January, traveling submerged thereafter during daylight hours. At 0230, 27 January, an unsuccessful night attack was made on a lighted enemy vessel, resulting in the TROUT being chased by the vessel at such speed as to force the TROUT to dive in order to escape. On 3 February 1942, after dark, the TROUT made rendezvous off Corregidor with an escort motor torpedo boat. The TROUT then followed the escort at high speed through a winding passage in a mine field to South Docks, Corregidor Island, where she unloaded 3500 rounds of anti-aircraft artillery ammunition for the Army Forces defending Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. Twenty tons of gold and silver, securities, diplomatic and United States mail and two additional torpedoes were loaded on the TROUT for the return voyage. The TROUT cleared Corregidor dock at 0400, 4 February, and bottomed in Manila Bay during daylight 4 February. Surfacing that night, additional securities and mail were loaded before the TROUT departed from Manila Bay through the mine field. On the return trip one enemy merchant vessel and one patrol vessel were attacked and sunk. The TROUT arrived at Pearl harbor 3 March 1942 after 51 days at sea. Lieutenant Commander Fenno’s example of fearlessness, zeal and devotion to duty resulted in the accomplishment of a mission of great service to the Army of the United States.