The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Frederick Joseph Harlfinger, II (NSN: 0-74804), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Torpedo Control Officer of the U.S.S. WHALE (SS-239), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 9 October 1942 to 10 November 1942. Lieutenant Harlfinger displayed conspicuous gallantry and skill during the planting of mine fields close to the enemy shore under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. He assisted directly in delivering damaging torpedo attacks against enemy shipping which resulted in sinking one enemy freighter of 9,400 tons and severely damaging three freighters totaling 18, 139 tons. These attacks were carried out in the face of heavy and certain enemy counterattacks. His courage and skill in these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] Frederick Joseph Harlfinger, II (NSN: 0-74804), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. WHALE (SS-239), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 3 January to 2 February 1943. Expertly handling attack problems, Commander Harlfinger rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks to sink over 19,000 tons of enemy shipping and to inflict damage on an addition 13,000 tons, despite severe enemy countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Frederick Joseph Harlfinger, II (NSN: 0-74804), United States Navy, for gallantry in action and participation in the accomplishment of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department in enemy-controlled waters during January – March 1942, while serving as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202). 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 on 12 January 1942, refueling at Midway Island on 16 January 1942. The U.S.S. TROUT proceeded on the surface until 21 January, traveling submerged thereafter during daylight hours. At 0230 on 27 January 1942, an unsuccessful night attack was made on a lighted vessel, resulting in the U.S.S. TROUT being chased by the vessel at such speed as to for 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 Dock, 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 the Corregidor dock at 0300, 4 February and bottomed in Manila Bay during daylight on 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 U.S.S. TROUT arrived at Pearl Harbor on 3 March 1942, after 51 days at sea.