The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Earl Twining Hydeman (NSN: 0-71359), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEA DOG (SS-401), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 May 1945 to 5 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Sea of Japan. With great daring and heroic actions, fully aware of the perils involved in completing this unprecedented undertaking, he penetrated strong anti-submarine barriers and entered supposedly inviolable enemy waters. With exceptional skill and aggressiveness he took his submarine into shallow waters and launched torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of six enemy ships, totaling 29,500 tons. In addition, he was Commander of a Coordinated Attack Group consisting of two others submarines and, at the same time, he exercised overall command of two other groups who were operating concurrently in the same area. Under his able supervision and inspiring leadership the nine submarines operating in this dangerous area smashed the enemy at every turn and thirty-one ships and sixteen small craft, totaling over 108,000 tons, were sent to the bottom, and two enemy ships and three small craft totaling over 8,000 tons, were severely damaged. At the expiration of the time to be spent in the area the Commanding Officer executed a brilliant escape through extremely hazardous waters and brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all submarine personnel, and to entire submarine service, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.