The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 1 August to 12 September 1944. Operating in the restricted waters close to enemy-held islands in the Palau area, Commander Fyfe skillfully maneuvered his submarine close to the inadequately charted Valacoo and Bruangl Reefs and sank two Japanese lead-type destroyers, pressing home these attacks despite the fact that several enemy anti-submarine craft were closely operating in the immediate vicinity and enemy aircraft continually circled overhead. By his expert seamanship navigating his vessel through the perilous waters, he rendered ineffective all enemy attempts to counterattack. After action, he repeatedly maintained his submarine on assigned stations ready to assist our aircraft engaged in operational bombing of this inland group. His professional skill, indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Commander Fyfe and the United States Naval Service.

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] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 May to 7 July 1944, in enemy-infested Pacific waters. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike enemy shipping, Commander Fyfe launched three bold, aggressive torpedo attacks to sink three enemy vessels totaling over 8,000 tons despite severe hostile countermeasures. Subsequently, he launched a fierce running gun battle to sink a large enemy trawler and yacht-type escort. Commander Fyfe’s expert seamanship and courage 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 a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BATFISH (SS-310), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 October to 1 December 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters ion the Pacific Ocean Area. A skilled and aggressive leader, Commander Fyfe penetrated strong enemy escort screens to launch repeated attacks against enemy shipping and, by his expert ship-handling, contributed to the success of the BATFISH in sinking a hostile warship and in damaging several smaller craft despite severe enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men and the United States Naval Service.