Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

April 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), during the aggressive and successful FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters near Honshu, Japan, during the period 6 August 1942 to 15 September 1942. Taking advantage of every attack opportunity with alert skill and courageous efficiency, Lieutenant Commander Klakring succeeded in sinking one 8,215-ton Japanese auxiliary warship, and a total of 42,840 tons of Japanese merchant shipping, and damaged a 7,000-ton Japanese freighter. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, he brought his ship safely through without material damage and his crew home without injury or loss of life. His gallant leadership and resourceful command were an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 1st, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 September 1942 to 28 November 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Daringly pressing home attacks on Japanese shipping, Lieutenant Commander Klakring skillfully maneuvered his ship in hostile waters, sinking 15,400 tons of enemy vessels and severely damaging one freighter of 7,200 tons. Despite enemy counter efforts of depth charges from aircraft and gun attacks from surface vessels, he handled the FUARDFISH with such outstanding seamanship and excellent judgment that he was able to bring her through without damage and his crew home without loss or injury. Lieutenant Commander Klakring's courageous devotion to duty and intrepid fighting spirit reflect great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0242 (1st Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Guardfish (SS-217), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 21st, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUARDFISH (SS-217), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 2 January 1943 to 15 February 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. After skillfully maneuvering his ship into striking position, Lieutenant Commander Klakring daringly attacked and sank two Japanese destroyers and one large cargo vessel. His expert seamanship and indomitable fighting spirit during extremely hazardous missions when the GUARDFISH was particularly vulnerable enabled him in every instance to extricate his ship from her perilous situation. The illustrious combat record of the GUARDFISH, her officers and men under Lieutenant Commander Klakring sustained the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Southwest Pacific Forces: Serial 00147 (2nd Gold Star in lieu)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

March 1945

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of Coordinated Attack Group TWENTY-TWO, with Flag in the Submarine U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), in action against enemy Japanese forces during an anti-patrol vessel sweep in the area west and north of the Volcano and Bonin Islands from 10 to 17 November 1944. Through his keen knowledge of submarine warfare and excellent administrative ability, Captain Klakring contributed materially to the Group's success in damaging a 6,000-ton tanker and a 200-ton patrol vessel and in sinking four 200-ton tankers, despite rough weather and the enemy's persistent and accurate counter-gunfire. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02172