Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Hambleton (DD-455), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1944

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HAMBLETON (DD-455), during the amphibious assault on Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944, and the bombardment of Cherbourg, France, on 25 June 1944. Maneuvering through heavily mined waters and under intense and accurate gunfire from enemy shore batteries, Commander Renken directed his ship in delivering devastating fire against enemy fortifications and gun emplacements and in screening heavy ships from enemy surface forces and submarines. His leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Naval Forces Europe: Serial 9749

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Hambleton (DD-455), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

August 10th, 1944

"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. HAMBLETON (DD-455), during operations against an enemy submarine off Cape Santa Pola, 17 May 1944. Encountering an enemy submarine on the surface, Commander Renken skillfully maneuvered his ship in support of the other units of the attack group which closed and engaged the enemy undersea craft with gunfire and depth charges. Although contact with the submarine was lost for a period of three hours, he relentlessly conducted a search until contact was regained, launched an effective depth-charge attack which forced the enemy craft to the surface and assisted in destroying the vital ship with gunfire. His exceptional professional ability and prompt and decisive action were contributing factors in clearing the Mediterranean Sea for the safe passage of Allied shipping and in the conduct of extended and arduous operations against the enemy. Commander Renken's gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Renken is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"

Serial 4837

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Operations and War Plans Office, Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, HQ, Atlantic Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

June 17th, 1946

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Operations and War Plans Office on the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, during operations against enemy forces from June to September 1945. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Commander Renken rendered valuable service in directing the war plans of the Atlantic Fleet as well as supervising the preparation of bases and post-war plans for Fleet employment, thereby insuring adequate base support during this critical period. His industry and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 3031 (Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

After War Period (1945-now)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Unit:

Assistant Chief, Naval Operations (General Planning and Programming), HQ, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

June 24th, 1965

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 27 Marcy 1962 to 10 January 1963 as Deputy to the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (General Planning and Programming), and from 10 January 1963 to 11 June 1965 as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (General Planning and Programming). Rear Admiral Renken made an invaluable contribution to the reorganization of the Navy Program Planning System which provided greater management effectiveness and responsiveness to the Department of Defense Programming System. He was instrumental in the initiation, development and operation of a most effective integrated program planning system for the Chief of Naval Operations, and contributed significantly to the development of the Navy Five Year Force Structure and Financial Program and to the formulation and implementation of the Navy Cost Information System. Additionally, he envisioned, developed, and expedited the implementation of revised procedures and format for the Department of the Navy Program Objectives which facilitated the formulation, precise costing, and organization of proposed new programs into Program Change Proposals. By his outstanding leadership, professional competence, and devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Renken has contributed greatly to the operating efficiency of the Department of the Navy as well as to the mission accomplishment of the United States Navy."

Board Serial 822 (2nd Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

After War Period (1945-now)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Unit:

Service Force, Atlantic Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

July 13th, 1967

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from June 1965 to June 1967 as Commander Service Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Exercising outstanding leadership and administrative and planning ability, Rear Admiral Renken improved the efficiency of his Force, enhanced economy of operation, and provided effective logistic support to the United States Atlantic Fleet. His efforts to improve the readiness posture, increase operating efficiency, and reduce construction and overhaul costs, have resulted in the construction of the first barge-mounted Mobile Utility Support Equipment; proposals for remedial action to reduce loss of ship-operating days and higher overhaul costs due to continued delays in shipyard completion dates; use of a simplified PERT system in ships of the Force undergoing shipyard overhaul; implementation of the Afloat Consumption Cost Effectiveness Surveillance System (ACCESS) program; and the economical redistribution of more than $3 million in shipboard excess material within the fleets. In addition to effectively supervising the buildup of the Atlantic Construction Force from five to twelve Mobile Construction Battalions, Rear Admiral Renken submitted pertinent proposals for the establishment of specialized Construction Battalion units to develop techniques and capabilities for rapid construction of harbors and port facilities, to render harbor clearance support, and to assist the Navy's oceanographic effort. By his distinctive accomplishments and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Renken upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Board Serial 5185 (3rd Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)