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 Edward Ackerman (NSN: 0-82383), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), during the NINTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 2 December 1943 to 4 January 1944, in enemy controlled waters. His excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems assisted his Commanding Officer materially in conducting successful gun and torpedo attacks against escorted enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of six enemy ships and an armed trawler for a total of 23,995 tons, and damaging two additional enemy ships totaling 11,021 tons. His inspiring leadership and efficiency greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics during 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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Edward Ackerman (NSN: 0-82383), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. During the first SEVEN War Patrols of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), Lieutenant Ackerman, as Diving Officer, calmly and skillfully maintained depth control of his ship during torpedo attacks and during trying conditions of no less than 15 enemy depth-charge counterattacks. On one occasion, when a main ballast tank malfunctioned, he took corrective action to prevent loss of trim and serious damage or loss of his ship. His assistance to his Commanding Officer contributed to the successful attacks on seven enemy ships, including a destroyer, during a single war patrol. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Ackerman (NSN: 0-82383), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. KETE (SS-369), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the Nansei Shoto Area. On 11 March 1945, this fighting Commanding Officer took his submarine out to meet the enemy. Despite severe enemy countermeasures he daringly launched torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of three enemy vessels, totaling 12,000 tons. While continuing this smashing offensive against the enemy, overwhelming enemy counterattacks were encountered which cause the loss of this outstanding submarine. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all submarine personnel, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.