Date of birth:

June 3rd, 1910 (Jamestown/New York, United States)

Date of death:

January 15th, 1978

Nationality:

American

Following his graduation from the US Naval Academy, Captain Underwood served in USS OKLAHOMA. This tour was followed by training at the US Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. After his graduation he served in the Submarine School S-21, USS MISSISSIPPI, and USS VEGA. In 1941, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned a Masters Degree in Marine Engineering. Upon his return to sea duty he was assigned to the Staff of Commander Submarine Squadron TEN as Squadron Engineer supporting submarines on war patrol. In January 1944, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of USS SPADEFISH (SS-411). On this ship during three war patrols he was credited with destruction of seventy-six thousand tons of enemy shipping (the total of 14 ships) including one escort aircraft carrier, the HIJMS SHINYO. For each of his war patrols he was awarded a Navy Cross and in recognition of the great successes of the first two patrols SPADEFISH was awarded the President Unit Citation. His record of success in his war patrols remains one of the most notable in the history of the US Navy Submarine Service. Captain Underwood, following his retirement from the Navy in 1962 after 30 years service with distinction.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer USS Spadefish (SS-411) / U.S. Navy

Synopsis:
"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gordon Waite Underwood, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SPADEFISH (SS-411), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 July 1944 to 24 September 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Strait in the Philippine Islands. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Underwood 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."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer USS Spadefish (SS-411) / U.S. Navy

Synopsis:
"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Gordon Waite Underwood, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SPADEFISH (SS-411), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 October 1944 to 12 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Underwood 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."

Received as a Golden Star vor on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer USS Spadefish (SS-411) / U.S. Navy

Synopsis:
"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Gordon Waite Underwood, Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SPADEFISH (SS-411), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 6 January 1945 to 13 February 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Underwood 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."

Received as a second Gold Star for on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.

• Photo 1: Wilco Vermeer
• Photo: Wilco Vermeer collection, the Netherlands
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  - Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present, by C. Douglas Sterner