The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Bennett Fluckey, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARB (SS-220), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 21 May 1944 to 9 July 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Skillfully maneuvering his vessel into favorable strike position despite the hazards of adverse weather, ice floes and fog, Commander Fluckey launched torpedo attacks to sink five enemy ships totaling more than 37,000 tons and account for two more in aggressive gun battles. Despite persistent hostile countermeasures, he employed skillful evasive tactics to bring his ship to port without damage. His leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Fluckey and the United States Naval Service.

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 Eugene Bennett Fluckey, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARB (SS-220), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 4 August 1944 to 9 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Straits. Pursuing aggressive and tenacious tactics despite strong countermeasures by the enemy, Commander Fluckey launched damaging torpedo attacks against Japanese shipping and combatant units to sink a 10,000-ton auxiliary aircraft carrier and to damage a tanker of 5,000 tons. Effecting the rescue of fourteen British and Australian prisoners of war who were survivors of a torpedoed enemy transport, he provided care and treatment for the sick and wounded and, although heavy enemy counterattacks caused minor damage to his ship, employed evasive tactics and returned to port without further damage. His skill, 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 takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Eugene Bennett Fluckey, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARB (SS-220), on the TWELFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 June 1945 to 2 August 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Introducing rocket and saboteur tactics into submarine warfare, Commander Fluckey braved severe enemy countermeasures including six bombing attacks by enemy aircraft, gunfire from enemy shore batteries and surface ships and extensive depth charge attacks to take his vessel into extremely shallow water and launch bold torpedo, rocket and gun attacks which resulted in the sinking of enemy shipping totaling 11,000 tons and the infliction of extreme damage to seven Japanese coastal towns. Landing a party of commandos in rubber boats on a hostile shore on one occasion, he contributed to their success in destroying a Japanese train. By his courage and inspiring leadership throughout, he upheld 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 Navy Cross to Commander Eugene Bennett Fluckey, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARB (SS-220), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 27 October 1944 to 25 November 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Maneuvering his ship in extremely shallow water and with skill and aggressiveness, Commander Fluckey braved intense hostile countermeasures to penetrate strong enemy escort screens and launch smashing torpedo attacks against Japanese shipping, sinking five enemy ships for a total of more than 28,000 tons and damaging three other vessels, including a large aircraft carrier, totaling more than 40,000 tons. By his inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous missions, Commander Fluckey upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.