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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 Thomas Lincoln Wogan (NSN: 0-63277), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BESUGO (SS-321) during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in the South China Sea from 24 December 1944 to 15 February 1945. He also led as OTC a very successful Coordinated Search and Attack Group consisting of from two to seven submarines. Three successful attacks were consummated by the BESUGO in which she sank one destroyer and one large tanker and damaged another. On the night of 6 January 1945 a tanker was sunk, and on 24 January, while being severely attacked by depth charges the BESUGO damaged another enemy tanker. In the last attack the BESUGO successfully attacked a destroyer while underfoot of another. His service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tarpon (SS-175)

    Action Date:

    January 10 – February 25, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 34

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Lincoln Wogan (NSN: 0-63277), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TARPON (SS-175), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 10 January 1943 to 25 February 1943, in waters in the area of Sea of Japan. Despite determined enemy opposition he succeeded in sinking one freighter and one transport for a total of 21,000 tons. Despite the counter efforts of enemy anti-submarine vessels and aircraft he handled his boat in such an expert manner that he brought his crew home without injury. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Besugo (SS-321)

    Action Date:

    September 26 – November 5, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01149 (February 9, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Lincoln Wogan (NSN: 0-63277), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BESUGO (SS-321) during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in Pacific Ocean Waters from 26 September to 5 November 1944. His intelligent planning, cool judgment in the face of imminent danger, and outstanding aggressiveness enabled him to conduct alert and thorough searches. By daring and aggressive attacks, as Commanding Officer, he obtained a hit on an enemy vessel. He also sank and damaged enemy shipping of 1,000 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Besugo (SS-321)

    Action Date:

    November 10 – December 4, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0187 (September 29, 1945)

    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 Thomas Lincoln Wogan (NSN: 0-63277), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BESUGO (SS-321) during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the South China Sea and in Linapaca Strait from 10 November to 4 December 1944. He courageously and skillfully led his ship in a series of attacks upon enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of a valuable enemy tanker and a large barge, totaling 8,000 tons and in the damaging of a large freighter of 7,500 tons. These attacks were characterized by unusual determination and aggressiveness in that he led his submarine under the very nose of the enemy in the extremely shallow and dangerous water which the enemy considered quite free from attack by our submarines. Bound to destroy the enemy, he completed a surface attack, even in broad daylight, knowing full well that he could not submerge. The audacity, skill and daring of these attacks has earned for him the respect and admiration of all submarine personnel. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.