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 Lieutenant Commander John Behling Azer (NSN: 0-63357), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WHALE (SS-239), during the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine in the patrolled enemy waters near Truk from 3 January 1943 to 2 February 1943. Lieutenant Commander Azer courageously and skillfully conducted attacks against the enemy which resulted in the destruction of two transports totaling 19,315 tons and damaging a tanker of 7,500 tons and a freighter of 5,600 tons. Despite enemy counter efforts Lieutenant Commander Azer brought his ship through without damage to material or injury to personnel. His aggressiveness, courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Behling Azer (NSN: 0-63357), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WHALE (SS-239), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters. Lieutenant Commander Azer conducted an aggressive and successful war patrol in the Sea of Japan from 9 October 1942 to 10 November 1942. He distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with planting a mine field in enemy coastal waters and military operations against armed enemy forces and by his skill, courage, aggressiveness and determination, succeeded in sinking one freighter of 9,500 tons and damaging a total of 18,139 tons. Despite the efforts of enemy anti-submarine vessels during a four-hour severe depth charge attack, he handled his ship in such a skillful and capable manner as to bring it through with only minor damage, and without loss or injury to personnel. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.