Vernon Turner graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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Vernon Turner graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Vernon Clark Turner (NSN: 0-72324), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer, Executive Officer and Navigator of the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in Japanese Empire Waters from 14 December 1941 to 4 February 1942; during her SECOND War Patrol in Japanese Empire Waters from 9 June to 15 July 1942; and during her FOURTH War Patrol in the Solomon Islands Area from 22 November 1942 to 15 January 1943. Efficiently fulfilling his duties throughout these hazardous patrols, Commander Turner contributed materially to the success of his ship during attacks which resulted in the sinking of a 7,200-ton freighter and two hostile ships totaling 18,900 tons, and the damaging of two others for a total of 10,000 tons. His able leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of hostile depth-charge attacks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.