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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Hiram Cassedy, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), in action against enemy Japanese forces during that vessel’s FIFTH War Patrol in the Pacific War Area from 27 September to 24 November 1942. Skillfully bringing his ship into shallow hostile waters, Commander Cassedy delivered a series of daring torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of two valuable enemy ships totaling 21,965 tons and the severe damaging of an additional one of 6,853 tons. Coolly evading enemy countermeasures, he brought his vessel safe back to port. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Searaven (SS-196)

    Action Date:

    April 18 – 19, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Hiram Cassedy, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), during the rescue of an Australian aviator stranded on the Island of Timor when the Japanese invaded the Southwest Pacific Islands in the Spring of 1942. While on patrol on 18 – 19 April 1942, Lieutenant Cassedy was directed to evacuate a number of airmen of the Royal Australian Air Force from Timor, Netherlands East Indies. The island was occupied by the enemy. Enemy forces were aware of the presence of the party of distressed aviators and operations were in progress to capture the group. Lieutenant Cassedy safely conducted his vessel to the rendezvous under hazardous conditions of navigation and by virtue of thorough preparations and excellent foresight effected a contact with the Australians. Although the area was under constant enemy patrol his vessel remained undetected. Under trying conditions and with the utmost pertinacity he directed the recovery of the aviators who were in an emaciated and fever-ridden state. He then took his ship past Japanese patrols and carried the aviators to a point of safety. The exceptional heroism displayed by Lieutenant Cassedy and the officers and men of the U.S.S. SEARAVEN is a tribute to his leadership and skill and is in accord with the best traditions of the Navy of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Searaven (SS-196)

    Action Date:

    September 27 – November 24, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Hiram Cassedy, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), on her FIFTH War Patrol in enemy-controlled waters from 27 September 1942 to 24 November 1942. Commander Cassedy’s skill and aggressiveness during a series of bold attacks resulted in severe damage to the enemy’s already depleted fleet. On 5 October, he contacted and sank a stranded merchantman. On 12 October, a large merchantman was sighted, and a skillful and aggressive attack conducted. One hit was recorded with severe damage inflicted. On 16 November, the SEARAVEN contacted an AO of very heavy tonnage, and daringly and skillfully carried out a successful attack. The ship was totally destroyed. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.