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 Douglas Neil Syverson (NSN: 0-82462), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. SEAWOLF (SS-197), during the TWELFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-infested waters from 12 December 1943 to 27 January 1944. By his expert handling of approach problems, Lieutenant Commander Syverson rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in sinking four enemy ships totaling 24,000 tons and in damaging three additional vessels despite severe hostile countermeasures. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


