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 Frank Gordon Selby (NSN: 0-72767), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PUFFER (SS-268), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine from 14 July 1944 to 29 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Skillfully maneuvering his ship to penetrate strong enemy escort screens, Commander Selby launched four bold, aggressive torpedo attacks in the face of severe countermeasures to sink four enemy ships totaling over 32,000 tons and to damage an additional vessel of 10,000 tons. By his expert evasive tactics, brilliant seamanship and zealous devotion to duty, Commander Selby brought his ship to port undamaged and contributed materially to the success of our operations in this area, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.



