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] Russell Kefauver, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAMBOR (SS-198), during the SEVENT War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 7 May to 27 June 1943. Daringly maneuvering his ship into advantageous striking positions, Commander Kefauver ably directed vigorous attacks which resulted in the sinking of three enemy merchant ships, totaling 16,981 tons and, by employing skillful evasive tactics against determined anti-submarine countermeasures, brought his under-sea craft to safety without having sustained disabling damage. Commander Kefauver’s aggressive courage, expert seamanship and unwavering devotion to duty 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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Russell Kefauver, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. TAMBOR (SS-198) and later of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), in action against enemy forces. During the first five War Patrols of the Tambor and the seventh of the THRESHER during the period from 15 March 1942 through 10 March 1943, Lieutenant Commander Kefauver skillfully analyzed the torpedo problem while his ship, in constant danger of attack by hostile surface vessels and aircraft, was engaged in numerous operations against enemy shipping. Through his expert professional ability he rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in sinking 50,000 tons and in damaging an additional 37,000 tons. On one occasion Lieutenant Commander Kefauver, serving as Navigator, daringly maneuvered his ship into dangerous, shallow waters to destroy a 7,000-ton enemy tanker, and later, when his own vessel was damaged by heavy depth charge attacks, he directed the repair work with outstanding efficiency. The cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Kefauver under hazardous conditions were an inspiration to his associates and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.