The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Enrique D’Hamel Haskins (NSN: 0-72381), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUITARRO (SS-363), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 May 1944 to 27 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Aggressive and relentless in tracking the enemy, Commander Haskins expertly maneuvered and fought his ship throughout repeated brilliantly executed attacks against hostile surface forces and, by his outstanding skill and daring, contributed to the success of the GUITARRO in sinking a destroyer and two other hostile vessels despite severe hostile countermeasures. Subjected to devastating gunfire attacks and severe depth charging during one furious engagement, he returned to the action and continued his same bold tactics to culminate in the sinking of a Japanese tanker twenty minutes later. Subsequently bringing his vessel safe to base without damage, Commander Haskins, by his inspiring leadership, cool courage and valiant devotion to the completion of a perilous assignment, contributed to the success of our forces in reducing Japanese Naval strength in the Pacific and upheld 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 Navy Cross to Commander Enrique D’Hamel Haskins (NSN: 0-72381), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUITARRO (SS-363), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 21 July 1944 to 8 September 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea off the West Coast of Luzon, Philippine Islands. Directing his vessel in a series of five aggressive torpedo attacks and two daring surface attacks on heavily escorted enemy merchant ships and men-of-war, Commander Haskins was responsible for the sinking of a total of 11,800 tons of enemy shipping and the damaging of an additional 10,000 tons. In well-planned maneuvers, he accomplished the destruction of two Fleet-type craft, obtained three hits on a KATORI Class Light Cruiser which, when last seen, was burning fiercely from stem to stern. With his targets escorted by enemy anti-submarine vessels and proceeding close to shore for protection, Commander Haskins operated in shallow water during all these attacks and, despite depth-charges and on one occasion enemy gun fire, skillfully maneuvered his ship to avoid all serious damage and bring her safe to port. His professional ability, exceptional courage and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.