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Fenno, Frank Wesley, Jr.

Date of birth:
September 11th, 1902 (Westminster/Massachusetts, United States)
Date of death:
September 16th, 1973
Service number:
0-59550
Nationality:
American

Biography

Frank Fenno graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1925. He ultimately attained the rank of Rear Admiral.
Frank Fenno was awarded a Gold Star in place of a second Legion of Merit for his achievements between November 1958 and October 1960.
Promotions:
October 7th, 1944: Captain.
Career:
November 15th, 1940 - July 1941: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Trout (SS-202);
July 30th, 1942 - May 6th, 1943: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Runner (SS-275;
October 7th, 1944 - January 2nd, 1945: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Pampanito (SS-383)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Trout (SS-202), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
March 17th, 1942
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), while operating his submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 12 January 1942 to 3 March 1942, in the performance of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department. Carrying a heavy load of anti-aircraft ammunition urgently needed by the beleaguered forces of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippine Islands, the U.S.S. TROUT departed from Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii for Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, at 0900, 12 January 1942, refueling at Midway Island on 16 January 1942. The TROUT proceeded on the surface until 21 January, traveling submerged thereafter during daylight hours. At 0230, 27 January, an unsuccessful night attack was made on a lighted enemy vessel, resulting in the TROUT being chased by the vessel at such speed as to force the TROUT to dive in order to escape. On 3 February 1942, after dark, the TROUT made rendezvous off Corregidor with an escort motor torpedo boat. The TROUT then followed the escort at high speed through a winding passage in a mine field to South Docks, Corregidor Island, where she unloaded 3500 rounds of anti-aircraft artillery ammunition for the Army Forces defending Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. Twenty tons of gold and silver, securities, diplomatic and United States mail and two additional torpedoes were loaded on the TROUT for the return voyage. The TROUT cleared Corregidor dock at 0400, 4 February, and bottomed in Manila Bay during daylight 4 February. Surfacing that night, additional securities and mail were loaded before the TROUT departed from Manila Bay through the mine field. On the return trip one enemy merchant vessel and one patrol vessel were attacked and sunk. The TROUT arrived at Pearl harbor 3 March 1942 after 51 days at sea. Lieutenant Commander Fenno's example of fearlessness, zeal and devotion to duty resulted in the accomplishment of a mission of great service to the Army of the United States."

General Orders No. 39, Headquarters, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Trout (SS-202), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
April 6th, 1942
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), in successfully completing an unusual and special mission through enemy controlled waters for the United States War Department during the month of January 1942. Upon completion of this mission, and while returning to Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, through enemy infested waters, with a special cargo on board, the U.S.S. Trout attacked and sank a 5,000 ton enemy merchant vessel on 10 February 1942. Furthermore, on the same date, upon being attacked by torpedoes from an enemy patrol vessel, the U.S.S. TROUT attacked and sank the enemy attacking ship, and continued her voyage to Pearl Harbor, arriving there without damage to material or injury to personnel throughout the hazardous operations."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Trout (SS-202), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
November 27th, 1942
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters during the period 24 March 1942 to 17 May 1942. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Lieutenant Commander Fenno took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks succeeded in sinking a total of 31,000 tons of enemy merchant shipping and damaging another merchantman of 15, 000 tons in the Pacific waters in immediate proximity to enemy shores. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Fenno brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

General Orders Serial 26, Commander in Chief Pacific.
Second Navy Cross received in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Runner (SS-275), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
December 1943
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RUNNER (SS-275), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel during the period 18 January through 7 March 1943. Despite determined enemy opposition he succeeded in sinking three freighters for a total of 19,915 tons and damaging two freighters totaling 14,189 tons. Despite the extreme counter efforts of the enemy anti-submarine vessels and aircraft he handled his boat in such an expert manner that he brought it through. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321.
Third Navy Cross received in the form of a second golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Awarded on:
September 25th, 1944
Citation:
"For gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of a coordinated attack group of Submarines operating from 4 May 1944 to 27 June 1944; in waters northwest of Guam. By his outstanding administrative ability and knowledge of submarine warfare, and as a result of many material contributions and efficient handling of this attack group, the submarines under his command sank five enemy ships including an escort vessel and a destroyer for a total of 24,700 tons and damaged two enemy ships totaling 15,000 tons. Much of the credit for these submarines' aggressiveness and successful attacks, despite severe enemy countermeasures and in being broken up to search for downed friendly aviators, was due to his efficient administration and inspiring leadership in coordinating these submarines into a successful attack force. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific, Serial 04898 (September 25th, 1944).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Submarine Squadron 24, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
October 23rd, 1945
Legion of Merit - US Military
Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE from September 1943 to March 1945, and as Commander Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR from March 1945 to September 1945. As a result of his remarkable executive and administrative ability, excellent judgment and able supervision, the submarines of Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED ONE and Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR completed many successful war patrols in enemy waters and were credited with sinking and damaging many thousands of tons of enemy shipping. Much of the success of the submarines under his command was due to his brilliant foresight, initiative, and excellent advice, and have contributed materially to the successful prosecution of submarine warfare in the Pacific area. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet, Serial 02525

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