The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Slade Deville Cutter, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS-304), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 March 1944 to 27 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Lieutenant Commander Cutter launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink four hostile ships totaling over 25,000 tons and to damage an enemy submarine of over 600 tons. Although subjected to severe depth charging and aerial bombing, he skillfully evaded the enemy and brought his ship safe to port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.