The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Charles Otto Triebel (NSN: 0-62577), United States Navy, for gallantry in action against the enemy in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SNOOK (SS-279), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters from 18 August to 8 October 1943. On one occasion, in extremely shallow water, Commander Triebel skillfully attacked a heavily escorted convoy which resulted in sinking a large enemy transport. By his courage, skill, and aggressiveness on this patrol, over 12,000 tons of enemy shipping were sunk and a motor driven cargo vessel of 300 tons damaged. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Triebel 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 Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Charles Otto Triebel (NSN: 0-62577), United States Navy, for gallantry in action against the enemy in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SNOOK (SS-279), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters from 31 October to 7 December 1943. On one occasion Commander Triebel contacted an enemy convoy which consisted of six freighters with at least two escorts. He coolly and courageously attacked at close range on the surface at night. When the escorts attempted chase he daringly attacked them with torpedo fire and discouraged their further pursuit. He then closed the convoy and made another night surface attack at close range. He again forced withdrawal of the escorts by firing torpedoes at them. Observing a freighter attempting to flee, he closed and damaged the ship by torpedo fire. He then submerged to further attack the vessel at close range and sank it. In this series of actions, lasting less than eight hours, he sank two enemy freighters totaling over 14,000 tons and damaged three freighters totaling over 13,000 tons. His courage and persistence in this action was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.