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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Otis Robert Cole, Jr. (NSN: 0-77115), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DACE (SS-247), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Sea of Okhotak in the vicinity of the Kurile Islands from 25 May to 10 July 1945. Aggressively attacking two contacts which were made with the enemy, Commander Cole delivered gun and torpedo attacks which sank 4,400 tons of hostile shipping and damaged a 1,500-ton frigate. Successful in evading severe enemy countermeasures and in bringing his ship back to port, Commander Cole, by his courage and devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Cole is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Dace (SS-247)

    Action Date:

    December 2, 1944 – January 28, 1945
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02657 (March 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Otis Robert Cole, Jr. (NSN: 0-77115), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DACE (SS-247) during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces in the South China Sea Area from 2 December 1944 to 28 January 1945. Forced to submerge to 300 feet after enemy depth charges and bombing attacks had inflicted minor damage to his vessel during the performance of a special mine-laying mission, Commander Cole skillfully maneuvered to evade further hostile attacks and, despite the presence of mines, anti-submarine devices and enemy countermeasures, launched torpedo attacks against two 4,000-ton Japanese freighters screened by escort vessels, sinking one and damaging the other. His fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Command Cole and the United States Naval Service.