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 Joseph Harris Willingham, Jr. (NSN: 0-60561), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 24 April 1942 to 11 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Marshall Islands. After previously engaging and sinking an enemy submarine on this patrol, again, in a surprise contact, a submerge enemy Japanese submarine was sunk by torpedo fire while still submerged as it was maneuvering to attack. In two subsequent engagements, the Tautog sank three auxiliary vessels loaded with war material. These notable successes of Lieutenant Commander Willingham and his command against a ruthless and formidable enemy, enhance and sustain the high 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 Joseph Harris Willingham, Jr. (NSN: 0-60561), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 24 April 1942 to 11 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Marshall Islands. While conducting war patrol in the vicinity of a fortified enemy base, Lieutenant Commander Willingham contacted and engaged two surfaced enemy Japanese submarines, sinking them both in spite of rigorous enemy air and surface patrol.