The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Reuben Thornton Whitaker (NSN: 0-73342), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in combat. During FIVE extensive War Patrols of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229) in enemy waters during World War II, and despite determined enemy opposition, he courageously and skillfully performed his duties in the fire-control parties of his Submarine and thus assisted in sinking of an important amount of Japanese shipping. Also, on one patrol, as Commanding Officer of a United States submarine he sank an enemy destroyer. His excellent judgment and coolness under fire contributed in a large measure to the success of the submarine. His conduct throughout was 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 Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Reuben Thornton Whitaker (NSN: 0-73342), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties on the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187) during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 29 December 1941 to 13 February 1942. As Executive Officer, his outstanding skill and efficiency in the high performance of his duties were of utmost assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of three enemy ships totaling 20,600 tons. His coolness and high devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were 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 Lieutenant Commander Reuben Thornton Whitaker (NSN: 0-73342), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FLASHER (SS-249) during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy waters. On 29 April 1944, in shallow waters off the coast of Indo-China he skillfully attacked and sank two escorted freighters of 1,065 tons and 4,000 tons respectively. Again on 3 May 1944, he repeatedly attacked and sank a large armed freighter of about 7,500 tons after a most persistent chase. By gallant and skillful action he achieved the destruction of three enemy ships totaling 12,565 tons and the damaging of a fourth ship of about 7,500 tons. His conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Reuben Thornton Whitaker (NSN: 0-73342), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-44 (SS-155), on 4 October 1942, north of Visuvisu Point, New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Whitaker daringly attacked the leading destroyer of a column of three enemy destroyers, adeptly and courageously maneuvering his ship into a close firing position and delivering three torpedo hits into the destroyer, thereby causing her to sink. Despite the great physical and mental strain of the long submerged patrol in enemy infested tropical waters he acted decisively, accepted an unfavorable tactical situation and attacked the leading destroyer to avoid losing the opportunity to fire, fully knowing that a severe depth charge attack would follow immediately. He then skillfully brought his ship undamaged out of the depth charge attack. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.