The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Arnold Frederic Schade (NSN: 0-72415/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer and as acting commander of the U.S.S. GROWLER (SS-215), during the first four War Patrols of that vessel in enemy-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area, during the period 27 June 1942 through 17 February 1943. By rendering skillful and able assistance to his Commanding Officer during months of maneuvering through an area continuously menaced by enemy air and surface craft, Lieutenant Commander Schade contributed in large measure to the success of the Growler’s patrols. On the early morning of 7 February 1943, after a surface encounter with a Japanese gunboat, in which the Captain of the Growler was killed, Lieutenant Commander Schade took command. With his ship ripped by enemy gunfire and leaking dangerously, her bow planes and vital auxiliaries inoperative, he worked tirelessly to direct emergency repairs, finally bringing his ship and her valiant crew safely to port. His expert seamanship, cool courage, and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





