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”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Raton (SS-270)Action Date:
October 6 – December 1, 1944
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02875 (April 6, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] George Woodruff Forbes, Jr. (NSN: 0-82321), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. RATON (SS-270), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 6 October to 1 December 1944. By his thorough knowledge of attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Forbes rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive attacks to sink eight enemy ships and damage three more despite severe hostile countermeasures. His devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Bluefish (SS-222)Action Date:
June 25 – July 29, 1945
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 859 (October 21, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander George Woodruff Forbes, Jr. (NSN: 0-82321), 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. BLUEFISH (SS-222), during the NINTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy-controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific, from 25 June to 29 July 1945. Aggressively and persistently attacking two enemy ships on 8 July, Lieutenant Commander Forbes succeeded in sinking a large escort vessel with two well-placed torpedo hits. Engaging an enemy submarine during this patrol, he closed the range to 1,850 yards and, scoring two torpedo hits, exploded and sank the hostile vessel, heavily loaded with gasoline. On another occasion, he conducted an excellent gun attack to destroy a large cargo-carrying junk. By his gallant fighting spirit and untiring devotion to duty during this hazardous patrol, he was responsible for the destruction of three hostile ships, totaling 2,000 tons, and a large amount of gasoline. His conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Forbes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Spearfish (SS-190)Action Date:
August 25 – October 12, 1943
Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 73 (September 3, 1944)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”.)
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Ensign]Division:
U.S.S. S-38 (SS-143)Action Date:
December 8 – 27, 1941
Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 068 (October 16, 1947)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”.)