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 John Day Gerwick (NSN: 0-74964), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS-213), during the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area, from 5 October to 23 November 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his vessel through strong enemy escort screens, Commander Gerwick launched three well planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks to sink three hostile vessels totaling over 9,000 tons and, by his expert evasive maneuvers, avoided severe enemy countermeasures and brought his ship safe to port. His outstanding leadership, forceful initiative and unswerving devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Commander Gerwick and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Day Gerwick (NSN: 0-74964), United States Navy, for heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. CUTTLEFISH (SS-171), during a highly successful and aggressive Submarine War Patrol from 23 July 1942 to 20 September 1942, which resulted in the sinking of 29,000 tons of enemy shipping and severely damaging one destroyer. In the face of a heavy depth charge barrage which threw the submarine temporarily out of depth control he, calmly and with great skill and determination, did so maneuver the ship and direct her controlling mechanism as to quickly and without broaching bring her under normal control again. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.