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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 [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”.)

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seawolf (SS-197)

    Action Date:

    April 3 – May 3, 1943
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 02720 (December 25, 1945)

    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”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seawolf (SS-197)

    Action Date:

    March 31 & April 1, 1942
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01343 (November 19, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Nolin Deragon (NSN: 0-73539), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer and Data Computer Operator of the U.S.S. SEAWOLF (SS-197), during action against enemy Japanese forces on 31 March and 1 April 1942. Subjected to intense depth-charging by a force of hostile cruisers encountered off Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, Lieutenant Deragon was calm and courageous in the performance of his essential duties while his submarine pressed home three aggressive attacks at dangerously close range on the heavily screened Japanese warships. When serious mechanical failures threatened his ship near the end of the hazardous fifty-day patrol, he greatly assisted in sustaining the crew’s high morale by his inspiring leadership and bearing and thereby contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of an exacting assignment. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.