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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Edward Ellis Shelby (NSN: 0-72424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SUNFISH (SS-281), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 22 June 1944 to 1 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters near the Kuril Islands of the Northern Pacific. By his aggressiveness and determination, three well-planned and smartly executed torpedo attacks were delivered against independent enemy freighters and one heavily escorted convoy which resulted in the sinking of three enemy freighters totaling 15,500 tons and damaging one additional freighter of 6,600 tons. During a running gun engagement in heavy fog at extremely close ranges he daringly closed a convoy of thirteen sampans and, by skillful maneuvering, excellent seamanship, and devastating and accurate fire from all available types of guns, destroyed the entire convoy, for a total of 2,500 tons. His skillful evasive tactics during depth-charge counter-attacks enabled him to escape and bring his ship to port without damage. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sunfish (SS-281)

    Action Date:

    January 15 – March 7, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01666 (February 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Edward Ellis Shelby (NSN: 0-72424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SUNFISH (SS-281), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period from 15 January to 7 March 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. On the night of 23 – 24 February 1944, while operating under extremely adverse weather conditions and against active anti-submarine measures, Lieutenant Commander Shelby contacted a large enemy ship of about 25,000 tons, whose identity appeared to be that of an enemy aircraft carrier. With courage, skill and determination, he penetrated the escort screen and aggressively delivered torpedo attacks, successfully sinking this large enemy ship in thirteen minutes. While clearing the vicinity to avoid enemy counter-attacks and to reload, he contacted an enemy freighter. Skillfully maneuvering into a favorable position, he attacked with torpedoes, severely damaging the enemy freighter before enemy aircraft forced him to dive. Following up later with another attack, he succeeded in sinking this freighter. In addition to his aggressive and successful attacks upon the enemy, he cried out in a most efficient manner an assignment of photographic reconnaissance and lifeguard services in the Mariana Islands. In spite of enemy counter-measures, he brought his ship back to port undamaged. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sunfish (SS-281)

    Action Date:

    August 20 – September 27, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 07434 (December 10, 1944)

    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 Edward Ellis Shelby (NSN: 0-72424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SUNFISH (SS-281), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 August 1944 to 27 September 1944, in enemy controlled waters near the East China Sea. In spite of unusually strong and alert escorts, Commander Shelby skillfully and determinedly penetrated the strong escort screens to deliver well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks against enemy shipping. As a result of his daring and aggressiveness he successfully sank two large enemy tankers and two freighters for a total of 33,500 tons, and damaged an additional tanker of 7,500 tons. Despite severe enemy countermeasures which on one occasion forced him to the bottom, his intelligent and skillful evasive tactics enabled him to escape and avoid severe damage to his ship. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sunfish (SS-281)

    Action Date:

    October 23 – December 19, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01666 (February 25, 1945)

    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 Edward Ellis Shelby (NSN: 0-72424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SUNFISH (SS-281), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 October 1944 to 19 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Despite unusual difficulties, Commander Shelby successfully launched well-planned and executed attacks which resulted in the sinking of enemy vessels totaling nearly 25,000 tons. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Shelby brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.