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] Bernard Francis McMahon (NSN: 0-70262), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine, from 16 August to 6 October 1943. Pursuing highly aggressive tactics against enemy shipping in hostile waters, Commander McMahon delivered a series of brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of 12,900 tons of shipping and, skillfully evading severe countermeasures which followed each attack, brought his ship safe back to port. His courage and 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 Bernard Francis McMahon (NSN: 0-70262), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DRUM (SS-228), during the successful and aggressive FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 29 November 1942 to 24 January 1943. Executing skillful submerged attacks against large enemy surface craft, Lieutenant Commander McMahon and his dauntless crew seriously damaged an enemy aircraft carrier of 7,600 tons and a tanker of 3,000 tons. Despite strong enemy counter efforts, he brought his ship back to port without injury to personnel or damage to his craft. His outstanding leadership and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.