The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Frank Howard Springer (NSN: 0-95559), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), on the FIFTH and final War Patrol of that submarine during the period 24 September 1944 to 25 October 1944, most of which time was spent in the Formosa Strait. Lieutenant Commander Springer’s skill and efficiency in the high performance of his duties were of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting eminently successful attacks which classify this War Patrol among the greatest submarine cruises of all time. With only the protection afforded by a dark night he conned his submarine on the surface to the very center of two large, well armed, heavily escorted convoys carrying troops and supplies to enemy forces in the Philippines, thereby making possible the sinking of the major units of both convoys and greatly aiding in the establishment of TANG’s patrol record of twenty-two hits on the enemy out of twenty-four torpedoes fired. This unparalleled performance resulted in the sinking of thirteen ships including one destroyer at a time when the enemy could ill afford to lose a single unit. His conduct throughout was in inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.