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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 Navy Cross to Commander Malcolm Everett Garrison, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SANDLANCE (SS-381), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 April 1944 to 5 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters in the Mariana Islands. Braving extremely heavy surface and air opposition, Commander Garrison directed his vessel to deliver skillfully and aggressively, five devastating torpedo attacks on strongly escorted ships, sinking three freighters and a transport totaling 22,300 tons and damaging another freighter of 6,500 tons. Expertly evading, by well-executed maneuvers, all enemy attempts to counterattack with heavy depth charges, he brought his ship back to port without material damage. His coolness under fire, resourcefulness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sandlance (SS-381)

    Action Date:

    February 8 – April 23, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 67 (July 12, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Malcolm Everett Garrison, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SANDLANCE (SS-381), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 February 1944 to 23 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters off the Kuril Islands. Despite the destruction of his sound gear during shallow water attack on the enemy, crippling his periscope by floating ice and other material damage due to extremely hazardous weather conditions, Commander Garrison successfully penetrated strong hostile escort screens and launched brilliant torpedo attacks, which resulted in the sinking of approximately 28,000 tons of merchant and combatant shipping and the damaging of 6,000 additional tons. Through severe depth-charging and numerous attacks by Japanese aircraft, his skillful evasive tactics and expert navigation enabled him to bring his vessel safe to port. His cool courage and superb professional ability reflect the highest credit upon Commander Garrison and the United States Naval Service.