The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] David Lee Whelchel (NSN: 0-63229), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STEELHEAD (SS-280), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 17 June to 16 August 1944. Penetrating heavy surface and air escort screens, Captain Whelchel closed and launched four torpedo attacks against a large hostile convoy, sinking two enemy ships totaling 14,000 tons and damaging two additional ships totaling 14,000 tons and damaging two additional ships totaling 17,500 tons. Unable to close for additional attacks, he pursued the convoy tenaciously to furnish vital information for other submarines and enable them to launch further attacks. By his courage and devotion to duty, Captain Whelchel contributed materially to the success of our forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.