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Andrews, Charles Herbert

Date of birth:
May 14th, 1908 (New Haven/Connecticut, United States)
Date of death:
December 7th, 1981 (San Diego/California, United States)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 3. Grave: 1977.
Service number:
0-63312
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Career:
18th September 1942 - 12th September 1944: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254).

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
January 14th, 1944
Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), a United States submarine, on war patrol in enemy controlled waters. In the face of strong enemy opposition, Commander Andrews conducted aggressive, skillful attacks, resulting in the destruction of over 17,000 tons of enemy shipping and damaging 9,000 tons. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 0185 (January 14, 1944).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
April 22nd, 1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), a United States submarine, on a war patrol in enemy-controlled waters. On 20 December 1943, Commander Andrews made a daring night surface approach and attacked an escort freighter of 7,000 tons, severely damaging it. Again, on 24 December 1943, he contacted and executed a highly successful attack on an escorted convoy of three ships, which resulted in the sinking of two freighters of 5,000 and 6,000 tons respectively. While patrolling on 27 December 1943, he contacted an enemy armed transport with ten destroyer escorts. In spite of these escorts, he penetrated this heavy screen and aggressively executed a night surface attack, severely damaging this armed transport. By his courage and determination throughout this patrol he succeeded in sinking 11,000 tons and damaging 18,000 tons of enemy shipping and successfully evaded the severe enemy counter-measures encountered. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the United States Naval Service."

General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 01349 (April 22, 1944).
Second Silver Star awarded in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254), U.S. Navy
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 12 July 1943 to 26 July 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Palau Islands. By his courage, skill and aggressive action Commander Andrews succeeded in sinking over 15, 000 tons and damaging over 43,000 tons of enemy shipping. Despite unusually strong enemy counter measures, by prompt and skillful evasive action, Commander Andrews succeeded in bringing his ship to port. His conduct during this patrol was an inspiration to the entire submarine service and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service."

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 40.
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Gurnard (SS-254), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
September 21st, 1944
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 16 April 1944 to 11 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Celebes Sea. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Commander Andrews took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks on strongly escorted formations succeeded in sinking three freighters and one large tanker, and in damaging a battleship and another freighter. His conduct during this patrol was an inspiration to the entire submarine service and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service."

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 02551 (September 21, 1944).
Second NC awarded as a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first NC.

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