The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters, from 8 June to 14 July 1944. Skilled in the interpretation of attack phases during each of the nine successful attacks launched against enemy shipping, Lieutenant Commander Frazee contributed directly to the success of his vessel in sinking seven hostile freighters and one seaplane tender for a total of 56,000 tons. Coolly aiding in evading enemy countermeasures, at times in shallow waters, he rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in effecting her escape and avoiding severe damage. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Frazee and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Tang (SS-306)Action Date:
March 16 – May 15, 1944
Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 76 (October 9, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Navigator, attached to the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 16 March to 15 May 1944. With our air forces engaged in attacks against enemy-held bases, Lieutenant Commander Frazee performed his duties with skill and efficiency despite heavy shelling from hostile gun batteries on shore, thereby contributing to the success of the TANG in carrying out lifeguard services and in retiring without damage. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Frazee is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Tang (SS-306)Action Date:
January 22 – March 3, 1944
Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 76 (October 9, 1944)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 Commander [then Lieutenant] Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 22 January to 3 March 1944. Skilled in the performance of duty, Lieutenant Commander Frazee rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in delivering aggressive torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys to sink four ships totaling over 40,000 tons and in conducting successful evasive tactics during subsequent enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Frazee and the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Tang (SS-306)Action Date:
July 31 – September 3, 1944
Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 76 (October 10, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters, from 31 July to 3 September 1944. Displaying excellent judgment in the handling of approach problems, Lieutenant Commander Frazee rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks against enemy shipping which resulted in the sinking of five enemy ships totaling 22,500 tons and damaging a 4,000-ton vessel and, during a gun engagement, aided in severely damaging a 100-ton patrol vessel. Capably discharging his assigned duties, he contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading enemy counter-attacks, at times in extremely shallow waters. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Frazee is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
United States Navy Submarine (SS)Action Date:
World War II
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0547 (March 11, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Officer of the Deck, Torpedo and Gunnery Officer and Torpedo Data Computer Operator on board a United States Submarine during seven war patrols of that vessel against enemy Japanese forces in alien waters. Immediately after a hostile submarine was sighted, Lieutenant Commander Frazee took prompt and effective action, rendering invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in pressing home a successful attack against the enemy vessel. Throughout this period of prolonged underwater operations, he performed his essential duties with coolness and skill, often in the face of severe hostile countermeasures and contributed materially to the sinking and damaging of an important amount of vital Japanese shipping. Lieutenant Commander Frazee’s inspiring leadership and resolute devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.