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 Thomas Slack Baskett (NSN: 0-74924), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TENCH (SS-417), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 12 May 1945 to 17 June 1945, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in the vicinity of Nanpo Shoto. Taking advantage of every opportunity to inflict damage on the enemy, Commander Baskett directed his ship in carrying out daring torpedo and gun attacks which resulted in the sinking of four hostile ships and five small craft, for a total of 16,000 tons. Skillfully evading determined Japanese countermeasures, he succeeded in bring his ship safe to port. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering 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 the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Thomas Slack Baskett (NSN: 0-74924), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), a United States submarine, during the ELEVENTH war patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters during the period from 17 April 1944, to 21 May 1944. Despite adverse weather conditions and enemy aerial opposition, Commander Baskett maneuvered his vessel through strong enemy escort screens to launch repeated torpedo attacks and sink four hostile freighters totaling over 20,000 tons. Although severely depth-charged, he skillfully evaded the enemy and brought his ship safe to port. His devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men, and the United States Naval Service.