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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 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”.)

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Searaven (SS-196)

    Action Date:

    November 3 – December 23, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914 (March 5, 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] 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”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Searaven (SS-196)

    Action Date:

    January 26 – February 5, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 59 (January 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Melvin Hulquist Dry (NSN: 0-73390), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 26 January to 25 February 1944. Expertly maneuvering his ship during this period, Commander Dry engaged in photographic reconnaissance of Eniwetok Atoll and lifeguard services in the vicinity of Eniwetok, Truk and Saipan, thereby assisting our forces in air strikes against these strategic atolls. By his brilliant tactics and initiative, he avoided serious aerial depth-bombing and effected the daring rescue of three friendly airmen. His courage, leadership 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”.)