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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] Miles Permenter Refo, III (NSN: 0-81076), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during World War II. When a severe enemy depth charge caused his vessel to be blown almost to the surface just ahead of a large hostile vessel engaged in delivering another attack, Commander Refo speedily restored the damaged diving controls which enabled his vessel to submerge to safe depth, thereby saving the JACK from almost certain destruction. By his courage and skill during numerous other enemy attacks throughout the patrols, Commander Refo contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld 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. Jack (SS-259)

    Action Date:

    June 4 – July 14, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0588 (February 8, 1945)

    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] Miles Permenter Refo, III (NSN: 0-81076), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. JACK (SS-259), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 4 June to 14 July 1944. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Commander Refo tendered inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer in the execution of attacks which resulted in the destruction of a large amount of enemy shipping and in the successful evasion of enemy countermeasures. His heroic conduct and zealous devotion to the completion of this hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon Commander Refo and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hoe (SS-258)

    Action Date:

    February 8 – April 8, 1945
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 04982 (June 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Miles Permenter Refo, III (NSN: 0-81076), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HOE (SS-258), during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 8 February to 8 April 1945. Aggressively closing a 2,300-ton destroyer, Commander Refo delivered a torpedo attack to sink the valuable enemy combatant unit despite severe enemy countermeasures. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Refo is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)