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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Alexander Kelly Tyree (NSN: 0-77217), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 January 1945 to 25 March 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Sea of Japan. Courageously attacking all hostile ships contacted with torpedoes and gunfire, Commander Tyree sank a 1,400-ton destroyer and a 1,200-ton sea-truck, assisted in the sinking of a 200-ton picket boat and damaged another picket boat of 250 tons. In addition to this offensive patrol, he carried out lifeguard duties, rescuing two Naval aviators. By his skillful evasive tactics, he avoided enemy countermeasures and brought his vessel safe to port, and his gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287)

    Action Date:

    May 29 – July 4, 1945
    Commander Submarine Force Pacific: Serial 02268 (September 11, 1945)

    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 Alexander Kelly Tyree (NSN: 0-77217), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 May 1945 to 4 July 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the Sea of Japan along the eastern coast of Korea. Penetrating strong anti-submarine barriers, Commander Tyree entered confined enemy harbors in an attempt to locate Japanese shipping and, launching torpedo attacks, succeeded in sinking two enemy freighters totaling 6,300 tons. Skillfully evading strong enemy countermeasures, he withdrew from the danger area and returned safe to port. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Tyree and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217)

    Action Date:

    June 14 – July 31, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 87 (May 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Alexander Kelly Tyree (NSN: 0-77217), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during that vessel’s EIGHTH War Patrol in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 14 June 1944 to 31 July 1944. Lieutenant Commander Tyree’s excellent counsel to his Commanding Officer and perfect coordination and direction of the fire control party contributed directly to his vessel’s success in sinking eight enemy ships totaling 58,000 tons and damaging one additional vessel of 4,000 tons. His efficiency and coolness during severe enemy counter-measures greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287)

    Action Date:

    April 23 – May 15, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Alexander Kelly Tyree (NSN: 0-77217), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287) during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 23 April to 15 May 1945. With great daring and ability he launched torpedo attacks against escorted enemy shipping which resulted in sinking and damaging over 12,000 tons. In addition, a special mission was successfully completed. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Tyree is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)