The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Benjamin Francis Tompkins (NSN: 0-60179), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. COGHLAN (DD-326), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces off the Komandorski Islands on 26 March 1943. During an engagement which continued without respite for three hours and a half with an enemy force of far superior strength, Commander Tompkins, with keen judgment and expert seamanship, played a vital part in the action of our task group. Skillfully maneuvering his ship to avoid enemy 8-inch salvos which fell close to her, he was able to lay protecting smoke screens around a cruiser that was in serious difficulty and to assist in driving off hostile ships with relentless gunfire or with threats of torpedo attacks. By his exemplary conduct and steadfast devotion to duty he rendered invaluable aid in turning back the superior Japanese force, thereby thwarting a desperate attempt to deliver urgently needed supplies to enemy troops in the Aleutian Islands. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Benjamin Francis Tompkins (NSN: 0-60179), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a United States Destroyer in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 19 June 1944. Stationed in the direct line of enemy approach in the area between Saipan and the Philippines, Captain Tompkins’ ship was repeatedly the target for Japanese dive-bombing and torpedo attacks and, while bearing the brunt of responsibility for breaking up the approach, shot down three hostile planes and turned away many others. A superb seaman, courageous and daring in the face of grave danger, Captain Tompkins cooperated effectively with other units of the Task Group in completely disrupting the Japanese attack, bringing his ship through this hazardous engagement without damage or casualties. His forceful and gallant leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.