TFH 2/15: LCDR Thomas B. Klakring, USN

The USS Guardfish (SS-217), a Gato-class submarine, was laid down at the Electric Boat Company in Groton, CT on April 1, 1941. The boat was still under construction when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and was hurriedly completed for war service. Guardfish launched on January 20, 1942 and was commissioned by the United States Navy on May 8, 1942. Her first Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Commander Thomas B. Klakring.

Thomas Burton Klakring was born on December 19, 1904 in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated with the United States Naval Academy Class of 1927 and was commissioned as an Ensign. Klakring commanded Guardfish through her fourth war patrol, which ended in April 1943. The sub's third war patrol ran from January 2 to February 15, 1943 when she returned safely to Brisbane, Australia. Lieutenant Commander Klakring was decorated with his third award of the Navy Cross for Guardfish's actions against the enemy.


From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Burton Klakring (NSN: 0-61448), United States Navy, 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.

Klakring's first two awards of the Navy Cross were for Guardfish's first two war patrols. The submarine as a unit also received the Presidential Unit Citation for that service:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Burton Klakring (NSN: 0-61448), United States Navy, 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.


The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Burton Klakring (NSN: 0-61448), United States Navy, 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 GUARDFISH 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.


In addition to the three awards of the Navy Cross, Klakring received the Silver Star for commanding a submarine group in November, 1944:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Burton Klakring (NSN: 0-61448), United States Navy, 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.


Klakring attained the rank of Captain before retiring from the Navy in 1949 and was promoted to Rear Admiral at his retirement as a final thanks for his exceptional service to our nation. He later was employed as a vice president with the Electric Boat Company and continued his involvement with the submarine community.

Guardfish was decommissioned after war's end on May 25, 1946 and was sunk as a target in 1961.

Rear Admiral Klakring passed away on July 24, 1975 in San Diego, California. The Navy honored this distinguished submarine commander by naming the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Klakring (FFG-42) for him. Klakring was commissioned on August 20, 1983 and is scheduled to be decommissioned next month on March 22nd after not quite thirty years of service to our fleet.