Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Donald Frederick Weiss (NSN: 0-62675), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-283), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 10 January 1944 to 4 March 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. With courage, skill and determination, Commander Weiss aggressively attacked and delivered torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys. Despite enemy gunfire, he tenaciously pursued his targets, launching repeated torpedo attacks until he was forced to use evasive tactics in avoiding serious damage from the enemy counter-measures. By his outstanding aggressive spirit, and exceptional seamanship, he successfully sank three enemy freighters totaling over 16,900 tons and damaged two freighters totaling over 9,000 tons. Despite severe enemy gunfire and depth-charge counter-attacks, he brought his ship to port undamaged. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and 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. Tinosa (SS-238)

    Action Date:

    March 29 – May 15, 1944

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03596 (July 30, 1944)

    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 Donald Frederick Weiss (NSN: 0-62675), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-238), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 15 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Strait in the Philippine Islands. In spite of strong enemy escorts which included air support, Commander Weiss skillfully penetrated the escort screens, and through his daring and aggressive determination, delivered smashing torpedo attacks against enemy ships. As a result of these well-planned and brilliantly executed attacks, he successfully sank four enemy ships totaling over 25,600 tons, one of these being a trawler which was destroyed by gunfire, and damaged four enemy ships totaling 25,000 tons. Although depth charged and fired upon by enemy guns, he skillfully avoided serious damage and brought his ship to port. 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.