Charles Francis McGivern Charles Francis McGivern was a Captain in the United States Navy . During World War II he was twice awarded the Silver Star while serving aboard the USS Gato ( SS - 212 ) , the first of which was for his actions during the Solomon Islands campaign . Later he was awarded the Legion of Merit with valor device while in command of the USS Sea Devil ( SS - 400 ) . His first Silver Star citation reads : " The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Charles Francis McGivern ( NSN : 0 - 81332 ) , United States Navy , for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Assistant Approach Officer and Torpedo Data Computer Operator in the U . S . S . GATO ( SS - 212 ) , during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 13 January to 26 February 1943 . Lieutenant McGivern performed his duties in an outstanding manner rendering inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer in making six attacks in which 31 , 700 tons of enemy shipping were sunk and an unidentified vessel was damaged . Further , his devotion to duty throughout three previous War Patrols was of the highest order . His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . " His second Silver Star citation reads : " 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 Lieutenant Charles Francis McGivern ( NSN : 0 - 81332 ) , United States Navy , for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action with the enemy . During the FIFTH , SIXTH , and SEVENTH War Patrols of the U . S . S . GATO ( SS - 212 ) from 19 March 1943 to 10 January 1944 , in enemy controlled waters , he as Assistant Approach Officer , Navigator , and Executive Officer rendered inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer and was largely instrumental in the sinking of three valuable enemy ships totaling 21 , 000 tons and the damaging of three others of 20 , 000 tons . His accurate and skillful navigation under the most hazardous conditions enabled his ship to accomplish several missions in enemy held territory , which contributed greatly to the success of Allied operations . In addition , on one occasion when an unexploded enemy depth charge was found on the deck of his vessel , he volunteered to examine and sketch for intelligence purposes even though he was under enemy gunfire at the time . With complete disregard for his personal safety he obtained valuable information from the enemy depth charge , using a Japanese prisoner to copy the markings . His actions throughout these patrols was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . " His Legion of Merit with valor device citation reads : " The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat " V " to Lieutenant Commander Charles Francis McGivern ( NSN : 0 - 81332 ) , United States Navy , 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 . SEA DEVIL ( SS - 400 ) during a War Patrol of that Submarine during World War II . With great skill and determination , he launched a daring torpedo attack which sent an enemy freighter of approximately 2 , 500 tons to the bottom . In addition , three trawlers were sunk in a well conducted gun engagement . Twelve friendly aviators were rescued after an extremely thorough and persistent search while performing lifeguard duties . He skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely . His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men , and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . ( Lieutenant Commander McGivern is authorized to wear the Combat " V " . ) " McGivern was born on March 1 , 1915 in Kenosha , Wisconsin and died on January 28 , 1983 . He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1938 .