Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Raymond Berthrong (NSN: 0-81319), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CERO (SS-225), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters from 31 March to 27 May 1945. Despite shallow water and enemy anti-submarine measures, Commander Berthrong carried out an offensive close to enemy shores and, aggressively launching gun and torpedo attacks, succeeded in destroying two hostile naval vessels and several merchantmen and in damaging an additional naval unit. Skillfully evading severe enemy counter-measures, he brought his ship safe back to port. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Searaven (SS-196)

    Action Date:

    November 1 – December 25, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01650

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Raymond Berthrong (NSN: 0-81319), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in the Pacific Ocean Area, from 1 November to 25 December 1944. Despite rough seas, Commander Berthrong launched repeated strikes against enemy shipping and, by his expert shiphandling, contributed materially to the success of the SEARAVEN damaging more than 25,800 tons of enemy shipping and in evading severe hostile countermeasures. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    June 1966 – June 1968
    Chief of Naval Operations Serial 2208 (June 11, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Raymond Berthrong (NSN: 0-81319), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commander, Naval Base, Boston, from June 1966 to April 1967, and as Chief of Staff to the Commandant, FIRST Naval District, from June 1966 through June 1968. Reporting to the Headquarters, FIRST Naval District at a time when almost the entire top echelon of the Staff had just retired or transferred, Captain Berthrong consistently carried out his duties with exceptional leadership, skill, resourcefulness, and initiative. For a period of ten months, he executed his dual assignment, carrying the major portion of the burden of ensuring that District Headquarters functioned smartly while maintaining high morale. Working closely with the Federal Executive Board, Captain Berthrong has contributed significantly to such programs as the Youth Opportunity Campaign, Summer Young Opportunity, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Program. His contributions to the Federal Executive Board won special recognition from the Civil Service Commissioner. In addition, Captain Berthrong has engendered a revitalized condition of naval efforts in the greater Boston area. Especially noteworthy was his work in the areas of off-base housing and the establishment of the Housing Referral Offices. By his outstanding leadership, professional ability, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Captain Berthrong upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.