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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Bafford Edward Lewellen (NSN: 0-70201), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POLLACK (SS-180), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 February 1944 to 11 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters in the Bonin Islands area. Despite strong enemy escorts, he skillfully penetrated these 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 21,400 tons, one of which was an enemy destroyer, and damaging two freighters totaling 11,000 tons. Although severely depth-charged, he skillfully avoided serious damage to bring his ship back 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pollack (SS-180)

    Action Date:

    May 6 – June 7, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03596 (July 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Bafford Edward Lewellen (NSN: 0-70201), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. POLLACK (SS-180), during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 6 May to 7 June 1944. With courage, skill and determination, he aggressively delivered smashing torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy shipping, severely damaging a 4,000 ton enemy freighter. In spite of the severe counter-attacks of escorting destroyers, which were bearing down upon him, he skillfully evaded and maneuvered into a favorable position from which he launched his stern torpedoes at the nearest destroyer, thereby sinking it. In spite of strong enemy counter-measures, his skillful evasive tactics enabled him to escape and bring 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.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Torsk (SS-423)

    Action Date:

    July 17 – August 15, 1945
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 02475 (October 10, 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 Bafford Edward Lewellen (NSN: 0-70201), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TORSK (SS-423), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 17 July 1945 to 15 August 1945, in enemy controlled waters in the Sea of Japan. With great daring and heroic actions, fully realizing the many dangers involved, Commander Lewellen took his submarine through strong anti-submarine barriers and entered the Japan Sea. Pursuing highly aggressive tactics, he delivered a series of bold torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of 6,000 tons of enemy shipping. He skillfully evaded strong and determined enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely. 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.