The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Marshall Harlan Austin (NSN: 0-75015), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. REDFIN (SS-272), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 19 March 1944 to 2 May 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into favorable positions to strike at enemy shipping, Commander Austin launched a series of bold, audacious attacks in the face of heavy and persistent hostile countermeasures, to sink one 1,500-ton destroyer and four merchant ships totaling over 28,000 tons. Fighting his ship with courage and determination against the devastating follow-up fire of the Japanese, he expertly evaded the deadly missiles of the enemy and succeeded in bringing his vessel safe to port without serious injury to his gallant crew. His steadfast valor, professional skill and unswerving devotion to duty served as an inspiration to his officers and men and reflect the highest credit upon Commander Austin, the REDFIN and the United States Naval Service.