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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 Silver Star to Commander Irvin Swander Hartman, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARBERO (SS-317), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine in the South China Sea, from 26 October 1944 to 2 January 1945. In a series of eight attacks against the enemy, six of which were successful, Commander Hartman displayed great courage, ability, and a fine fighting spirit. Between the first and second attack upon an escorted AK, BARBERO was heavily depth charged. However this did not alter the Commanding Officer’s determination, and he destroyed this target with a second hit. The third, fourth, and fifth attacks were made on the surface in conjunction with U.S.S. REDFIN (SS-272). Despite close gunfire from the escort, the Commanding Officer successfully maneuvered into a position between the alert escort and the Tanker and destroyed the Tanker. BARBERO made a re-load of torpedoes, returned to the area, and consummated three more attacks which resulted in the sinking of a Tanker and a Cargo ship, and in the damaging of another Tanker. The skill and determination of Commander Hartman in the sinking of four ships for a total tonnage of 21,700 tons, and in the damaging of a 5,000-ton Tanker, was an outstanding achievement. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. S-41 (SS-146)

    Action Date:

    August 20 & 23, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 331 (October 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Irvin Swander Hartman, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-41 (SS-146), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 August 1942 to 2 September 1942, in enemy controlled waters of New Britain-New Ireland War Area. On 20 August 1942, east of Cape Orford, New Britain Island, Lieutenant Hartman conducted a courageous and aggressive night surface attack on an enemy convoy and attempted a second attack until forced to submerge to prevent ramming and avoid enemy gun fire. This attack resulted in four torpedo hits on unknown ships of the convoy. On 23 August 1942, west of Santa Isabel Island, Solomon Islands, he attacked and sank a large Japanese submarine with two torpedo hits. In each of these attacks against the enemy he skillfully and aggressively maneuvered his vessel into successful firing positions despite the great physical strain of long submerged patrols in enemy infested tropical waters, and upon completion of his mission brought the submarine under his command safely to his base. Lieutenant Hartman’s courageous actions in conducting these attacks upon the enemy are in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. S-41 (SS-146)

    Action Date:

    May 15 – June 15, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914 (March 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Irvin Swander Hartman, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-41 (SS-146), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 15 May to 15 June 1943. Although his submarine had only four torpedo tubes forward, Commander Hartman maneuvered into a favorable firing position and launched a series of torpedo attacks to sink two enemy freighters totaling 6,000 tons. Employing effective evasive tactics during severe enemy counterattacks, he succeeded in returning his ship safe to port. Commander Hartman’s skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.