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] George Stuart Simmons, III (NSN: 0-82645), United States Navy, for heroic service while serving on board the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in the Pacific War Area during World War II. Carrying out his highly important tasks under extremely hazardous conditions, Lieutenant Commander Simmons rendered invaluable assistance throughout the patrol, working tirelessly to supply his Commanding Officer with continuous and vital information which was essential to the successful accomplishment of the mission on which his ship was engaged. Lieutenant Commander Simmons’ skill, courage and unswerving devotion to duty 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 Commander George Stuart Simmons, III (NSN: 0-82645), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-Controlled waters from 16 April to 11 June 1944. Skilled in fire control coordination and the training of fire control personnel, Lieutenant Commander Simmons rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking or damaging of more than 62,000 tons of enemy shipping. By his leadership and devotion to duty, he contributed to the success of his ship in evading severe enemy countermeasures and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.