The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] George Woodruff Forbes, Jr. (NSN: 0-82321), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Torpedo Data Computer Operator of the U.S.S. SPEARFISH (SS-190), during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 25 August to 12 October 1943. Skilled in the performance of duty, Lieutenant Commander Forbes contributed directly to the success of his ship in sinking two enemy ships totaling over 12,000 tons and damaging three others totaling over 16,000 tons and in conducting effective evasive tactics during severe enemy counterattacks. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Forbes 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 Lieutenant Commander [then Ensign] George Woodruff Forbes, Jr. (NSN: 0-82321), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Plotting Officer of the U.S.S. S-38 (SS-143), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces off the West Coast of Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 8 to 27 December 1941. Coordinating important information, Lieutenant Commander Forbes assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks which resulted in the sinking of two valuable enemy ships and, in addition contributed materially to the success of his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Forbes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander George Woodruff Forbes, Jr. (NSN: 0-82321), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLUEFISH (SS-222), during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Ryukyu Islands Area from 23 April to 1 June 1945. Skillfully directing his ship during a patrol devoted entirely to rendering lifeguard services to our air force attacking the Japanese Homeland, Lieutenant Commander Forbes supervised the rescue of seven downed Allied aviators. In addition, he conducted repeated night bombardments on Ishigaki air strips in order to immobilize further a demoralized Japanese fighter-intercept force, thereby increasing the safety afforded our combat airmen over Japan. His sound judgment and leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Forbes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)