The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James Alexander Flenniken (NSN: 0-71307), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer, attached to the U.S.S. NARWHAL (SS-167), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in the Northern Honshu and Hokkaido Areas of Japan, from 8 July to 26 August 1942. Precisely controlling depth, Commander Flenniken rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks which resulted in the sinking of 14,500 tons of enemy shipping and in the damaging of 4,000 tons. In addition, he contributed materially to the success of his ship in evading strong enemy countermeasures. His professional skill, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.