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.

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.

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.