The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Kerr Fyfe (NSN: 0-77007), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer in the U.S.S. SANDLANCE (SS-381), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 February to 23 March 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Furnishing his Commanding Officer with a constant flow of valuable information, Commander Fyfe contributed directly to his ships success in delivering aggressive attacks to sink over 28,000 tons of enemy shipping and damage an additional 6,000. Undaunted by severe enemy counterattacks, he aided his ship in conducting effective evasive tactics and was in a large measure responsible for its safe return to port. His devotion to duty was 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 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.