The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Thomas Turner (NSN: 0-123296), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Diving Officer in the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 24 February 1944 to 23 March 1944. His thorough knowledge of his ship, cool and precise control of depth, aided his Commanding Officer materially in conducting successful torpedo and gun attacks which resulted in the sinking of five enemy freighters totaling 17,736 tons and damaging two additional freighters totaling 8,000 tons. His courage, leadership and skill during periods of severe enemy counter-attacks greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.