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] Melvin Hulquist Dry (NSN: 0-73390), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196) during the NINTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 3 November to 23 December 1943. Penetrating surface escort screens, Commander Dry launched torpedo attacks to sink an enemy tanker of over 10,000 tons. Employing effective evasive tactics, during enemy counterattacks, he succeeded in returning his ship safe to port. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Dry is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Melvin Hulquist Dry (NSN: 0-73390), United States Navy, for heroic service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), during the TWELFTH War Patrol of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area, from 15 August to 6 October 1944. Executing three torpedo attacks against enemy shipping, Commander Dry sank a 4,000-ton enemy freighter and damaged a 1,000-ton escort and, during three running engagements, destroyed eleven small craft and damaged a 500-ton minelayer. Skillfully evading enemy depth-charge counterattacks and gunfire, he brought his ship back to port undamaged. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Dry is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)