Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] George William Grider, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. WAHOO (SS-238), during war patrols of that vessel in enemy-controlled Pacific Waters. Performing all assigned duties in connection with depth control skillfully and with superb professional ability, Commander Grider directly contributed to his ship’s success in delivering aggressive torpedo and gun attacks against heavily-escorted Japanese Task Forces and convoys to sink over 93,000 tons of shipping and damage an additional 30,000 tons of combatant and auxiliary units. His sound judgment, valor and steadfast devotion to duty served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his ship, thereby reflecting great credit upon Commander Grider and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Flasher (SS-249)

    Action Date:

    November 15, 1944 – January 2, 1945
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01151 (April 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander George William Grider, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLASHER (SS-249), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 November 1944 to 2 January 1945, in enemy controlled waters off the coasts of manila and Indo-China. On 4 December, in the face of extreme hostile countermeasures, Commander Grider launched four persistent attacks against a destroyer and a large tanker and, although heavily depth-charged between each of the attacks, succeeded in sinking both of the hostile craft. Leading his ship in two surface attacks against a convoy of five tankers and our escorts on a latter date, he skillfully maneuvered the FLASHER in a seventeen-hour chase to close the convoy and to sink three of the tankers without being detected by the escorting vessels. By his leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Commander Grider contributed materially to the success of our operations in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.