Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. S-42 (SS-153), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

1942

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. S-42 (SS-153), in action against an enemy Japanese cruiser on 11 May 1942, during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Although Lieutenant Commander Kirk was operating under adverse and dangerous conditions due to mechanical deficiencies existing in his ship, and in spite of great physical strain from a long submerged patrol through enemy infested tropical waters, he adeptly maneuvered his ship to deliver three torpedo hits into the enemy cruiser which countered with a severe depth charge attack. The S-42 succeeded in escaping safely from this engagement after setting the cruiser afire and sinking her. This action, in which Lieutenant Commander Kirk displayed outstanding courage, endurance and resourcefulness, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."