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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Walter Thomas Griffith (NSN: 0-73370), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 February 1944 to 1 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Celebes Sea and its Eastern approaches. Repeatedly directing aggressive and well-planned attacks on heavily escorted enemy shipping, Commander Griffith was responsible for the sinking of three large ships totaling 20,000 tons and the damaging of an additional two ships totaling 11,464 tons. With high courage and superb seamanship, he twice took his submarine into the narrow and restricted water of Obi Strait for a series of daylight attacks on a troop-carrying transport and a cargo vessel escorted by enemy minesweepers and protected by as many as five enemy land-based bombers. On two occasions his ship was detected in the glassy seas of this strait and bombed by aircraft while pressing home an attack and, after the attack was counterattacked by escort vessels which dropped many very close and heavy depth charges. Subjected to a total of six severe depth-charge attacks, three close aircraft bombings, and two short-range surface-gun attacks, he resolutely completed his mission with devastating results to the Japanese forces. His exceptional courage and professional ability and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Griffith and the BOWFIN and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Walter Thomas Griffith (NSN: 0-73370), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 1 November 1943 to 9 December 1943, in enemy controlled waters in the South China Sea. In the face of strong, persistent counter measures by enemy surface vessels and aircraft, Commander Griffith daringly and with expert tactical ability maneuvered his ship into advantageous striking positions and repeatedly attacked, sinking and damaging an important amount of hostile shipping. Although his vessel sustained considerable damage from enemy gunfire, he skillfully returned her safely to base. Commander Griffith’s aggressive leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command throughout this extremely hazardous period reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.