The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Nolin Deragon (NSN: 0-73539), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PIPEFISH (SS-388) during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese water, from 6 August to 27 September 1944. Skillfully delivering torpedo attacks against enemy shipping, despite alert enemy escort and patrol craft in the area, Commander Deragon sank an enemy freighter of 4,000 tons and damaged two additional enemy ships totaling 4,700 tons. Maneuvering evasively to counter enemy anti-submarine measures, he escaped and brought his ship to port undamaged. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Deragon is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Nolin Deragon (NSN: 0-73539), United States Navy, for heroic service as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. SEAWOLF (SS-197), during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the Bonin Islands and Formosa Area, from 3 April to 3 May 1943. Demonstrating a thorough knowledge of attack problems, Commander Deragon rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of five enemy vessels, including one destroyer, for a total of over 13,000 tons, and contributed materially to the success of his ship in evading severe enemy countermeasures. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Deragon is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)