The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Frank Curtis Lynch, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 May 1944 to 21 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Aggressive and determined in furnishing accurate approach information to his Commanding Officer throughout the entire patrol, Commander Lynch assisted in a series of brilliant, short-range attacks against hostile combat ships which resulted in the sinking of five first-line destroyers during a period of five days, and contributed to the successful evasion of strong enemy air and surface countermeasures. By his valiant courage and indomitable fighting spirit, Commander Lynch served as an inspiration to his fellow officers and crew and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Frank Curtis Lynch, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HADDO (SS-255), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 31 May 1945 to 16 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea and Yellow Sea Areas. Boldly penetrating the enemy’s inner defenses in a search for vital shipping, Commander Lynch delivered a withering torpedo attack against an enemy convoy with seven of the eight torpedoes fired finding their targets to sink four hostile freighters. Although unable to submerge in the extremely shallow waters when a Japanese patrol frigate came steaming out of a fog bank at a range of 800 yards with all guns blazing, Commander Lynch ordered “Emergency Full speed Ahead,” effecting a brilliant escape in the face of a 700-ton patrol frigate and two small craft for a total of 18,000 tons of enemy shipping. His inspiring leadership, courage and devotion to duty under enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Commander Lynch and the United States Naval Service.