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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Haddo (SS-255)Action Date:
October 28 – December 27, 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0619 (November 18, 1946The 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 [then Lieutenant Commander} Frank Curtis Lynch (NSN: 0-81040), 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 EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 October 1944 to 27 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Commander Lynch courageously penetrated strong enemy air and surface escort screens to launch smashing torpedo attacks and sink four enemy shops, including an unknown combatant vessel, totaling 11,000 tons. Expertly evading damage from severe depth charging and intense enemy aerial attack, he brought his ship safe to port. His leadership, courage and devotion to the completion of each perilous mission reflect the highest credit upon Commander Lynch, his command and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Harder (SS-257)Action Date:
May 26 – June 21, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03609 (December 29, 1944)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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Harder (SS-257)Action Date:
March 29 – April 20, 1944
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 363 (May 1947)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Frank Curtis Lynch (NSN: 0-81040), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 29 March 1944 to 20 April 1944. (Commander Lynch is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
United States Navy Submarine (SS)Action Date:
1944
Commander, Submarines Pacific: Serial 2519 (August 18, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] Frank Curtis Lynch (NSN: 0-81040), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of a United States Submarine during a War Patrol ion enemy-controlled waters of the Pacific Ocean. Skilled and precise in the control of depth, Commander Lynch assisted his Commanding Officer in sinking four hostile ships totaling approximately 25,000 tons, in severely damaging an armed enemy trawler and in the successful evasion of Japanese countermeasures. His cool courage and judgment reflect the highest credit upon Commander Lynch and the United States Naval Service.