The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Marvin Granville Kennedy (NSN: 0-62522), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WAHOO (SS-238), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine from 8 November to 16 December 1942. Despite adverse conditions due to poor visibility and rain squalls, Lieutenant Commander Kennedy sighted a Japanese submarine which was surfaced close aboard and, quickly swinging into striking position, launched a daring attack at 800 yards, destroying the submarine by torpedo fire while enemy personnel were still on the bridge. This same fighting spirit and skillful seamanship enabled him to attack and sink a Japanese freighter of 5,644 tons. His bold, aggressive tactics and courageous devotion to the fulfillment of an important mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.