The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Samuel David Dealey (NSN: 0-63136), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 June 1943 to 7 July 1943, in action against enemy forces near Honshu, Japan. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into striking position, Commander Dealey succeeded in sinking over 15,000 tons and damaging over 27,000 tons of enemy shipping. His cool courage, aggressive leadership, and gallant devotion to duty reflect great credit upon his command and 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 Navy Cross to Commander Samuel David Dealey (NSN: 0-63136), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 October 1943 to 3 November 1943, in action against enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Mariana Islands, Pacific War Area. Despite violent hostile anti-submarine measures, Commander Dealey pressed home his attacks against enemy surface vessels with brilliant tactical skill and fearless tenacity and succeeded in sinking an important amount of Japanese shipping. His superb leadership and calm courage in the face of grave danger and the gallant conduct of his intrepid command were an inspiration to the entire Submarine 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 Navy Cross to Commander Samuel David Dealey (NSN: 0-63136), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 20 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific Area. Persistently searching the hazardous and confined waters of his assigned sector, Commander Dealey operated with determined aggressiveness throughout a prolonged and arduous mission, during which he repeatedly closed a fortified enemy atoll to short range for visual and photographic reconnaissance, thereby aiding the subsequent planning and execution of vigorous aerial strikes against hostile positions. Under his daring leadership, the Harder effected the rescue of a friendly pilot from a rubber raft marooned off a Japanese-held island despite harassing fire from hostile snipers and heavy aerial bombardment, sank an attacking enemy warship with a powerful salvo fired at close range and attacked and destroyed a freighter, probably sinking one of the freighter’s escort vessels. Consistently daring in his conduct of forays against the Japanese, Commander Dealey placed the Harder within two thousand yards of a fiercely defended island on the morning of 20 April to deliver a smashing bombardment and inflict severe damage upon a vital enemy airstrip. By his outstanding seamanship, tenacious determination and courage in the face of tremendous odds, Commander Dealey contributed materially to the weakening of Japanese strength in this area and his valiant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant ship’s company and the United States Naval Service.