Eugene Thomas Sands

Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 41
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Thomas Sands (NSN: 0-63146), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS-276), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 30 June 1943 to 10 August 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area.
Lieutenant Commander Sands with courage, skill, and determined action succeeded in sinking over 25,000 tons of enemy shipping and damaging over 16,000 tons. Through his experience and sound judgment he 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:
Commander South Pacific: Serial 36
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Thomas Sands (NSN: 0-63146), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in combat while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS-276), during a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area.
Despite determined enemy opposition, Lieutenant Commander Sands courageously and skillfully pressed home attacks which resulted in the sinking of an important amount of Japanese shipping without disabling damage to his own ship. Through his experience and sound judgment he brought his ship safely back to port, and his conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.