The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Roger Myers Keithly (NSN: 0-74890), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS-307), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 10 September 1944 to 24 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Despite strong enemy escorts, he skillfully penetrated these screens to launch daring attacks which resulted in the sinking of enemy shipping for a total of over 8,000 tons, and in damaging of enemy shipping of 5,000 tons. His skillful and smartly executed evasive tactics prevented damage to his ship and enabled him to bring her back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men serving under him 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 Navy Cross to Commander Roger Myers Keithly (NSN: 0-74890), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TILEFISH (SS-307), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 November 1944 to 2 January 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. By his skillful maneuvering and resourcefulness, he launched aggressive, intelligently planned and smartly executed attacks which sank an enemy ship. 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.