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 Charlton Lewis Murphy, Jr. (NSN: 0-71461), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 April 1944 to 28 May 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Maneuvering his vessel through strong enemy escort screens, Commander Murphy launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink three hostile freighters totaling over 15,000 tons despite severe depth charging. Later, while engaged in lifeguard duties, he braved intense enemy gunfire from shore batteries to effect the rescue of three downed friendly aviators. His devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Sturgeon (SS-187)Action Date:
December 13, 1943 – February 5, 1944
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 56 (April 18, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Charlton Lewis Murphy, Jr. (NSN: 0-71461), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 December 1943 to 5 February 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Maneuvering his vessel through strong enemy escort screens, Commander Murphy launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink three hostile freighters totaling over 19,000 tons and damage a 7,000-ton tanker and a 2,000-ton destroyer escort despite severe enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Commander Murphy and the United States Naval Service.