The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 October to 18 November 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Carrying out three skillfully executed attacks on heavily escorted hostile convoys, Commander Sieglaff sank or damaged several enemy ships. On another occasion, he maneuvered his craft close inshore and daringly bombarded a Japanese phosphate plant, causing severe damage. Subsequently, spotting a hostile convoy, he tenaciously pursued the enemy and, although all torpedoes had been expended, maintained contact and furnished information, enabling another submarine to locate and attack the hostile vessels. By his superb seamanship and the indomitable fighting spirit of his valiant command, he returned his ship through severe enemy countermeasures safe to port. His inspiring leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 11 May to 2 July 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By his courage, skill and tenacious action, Lieutenant Commander Sieglaff succeeded in sinking and damaging an important amount of enemy shipping. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Sieglaff 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander William Bernard Sieglaff (NSN: 0-70125), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 12 December 1943 to 30 January 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By a series of five aggressive torpedo attacks during this patrol, Commander Sieglaff succeeded in sinking two enemy freighters totaling 9,000 tons and damaging three other freighters totaling 20,000 tons. Although severely depth charged, and on one occasion he received an aerial bombing attack, he skillfully evaded serous damage. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Sieglaff 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.