The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Rolston Crutcher (NSN: 0-73961), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. APOGON (SS-308), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 15 January to 5 March 1944. Skilled in the performance of duty, Commander Crutcher rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting a night surface attack against enemy shipping to sink a passenger-freighter of over 17,000 tons and a freighter of over 6,000 tons and in employing effective evasive tactics during enemy counterattacks. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.