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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Thomas Michael Dykers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 June 1943 to 19 July 1943, in enemy controlled waters off the coast of Honshu, Japan. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into striking position, Commander Dykers attacked the enemy with aggressive determination and outstanding courage and succeeded in sinking or damaging a large amount of hostile shipping. Despite fierce enemy opposition, he employed skillful evasive tactics and brought his ship safely back to port. Commander Dykers’ superb seamanship, initiative, and inspiring leadership reflect great credit upon his command and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Jack (SS-259)

    Action Date:

    April 6 – May 10, 1944
    Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 02069 (July 31, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Michael Dykers, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, during the period 6 April to 10 May 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship after it had been bombed by a hostile patrol plane on 25 April, Captain Dykers launched three bold attacks during the night against a heavily-escorted enemy convoy to damage severely five Japanese freighters, probably sinking four of them. Patrolling the eastern approaches to Balintang Channel, he gallantly fought his ship to destroy a Japanese trawler by gunfire, capturing two passengers and, the next day, destroyed another trawler. By his courage and initiative in searching out the enemy, Captain Dykers contributed essentially to the success of our forces, and his zealous devotion to the completion of each perilous mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Jack (SS-259)

    Action Date:

    January 16 – March 13, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0936 (April 24, 1944)

    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 Captain Thomas Michael Dykers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 16 January 1944 to 13 March 1944, during operations against enemy Japanese shipping in the Pacific War Area. Aggressive and determined, Captain Dykers expertly maneuvered into striking position upon contact with the enemy, swiftly launched a powerful attack and succeeded in sinking a total of seven Japanese ships, including four large tankers. Then, employing brilliant evasive tactics, he withdrew the gallant JACK from the combat area without damage despite strong hostile countermeasures. Captain Dykers’ superb ship-handling, bold initiative and outstanding professional skill in the face of fanatic opposition were important factors in the success of our offensive operations in the Pacific and reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service.