Charles Francis McGivern

Who is Charles Francis McGivern?

Charles Francis McGivern was a Captain in the United States Navy. During World War II he was twice awarded the Silver Star while serving aboard the USS Gato, the first of which was for his actions during the Solomon Islands campaign. Later he was awarded the Legion of Merit with valor device while in command of the USS Sea Devil.

His first Silver Star citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Charles Francis McGivern, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Assistant Approach Officer and Torpedo Data Computer Operator in the U.S.S. GATO, during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 13 January to 26 February 1943. Lieutenant McGivern performed his duties in an outstanding manner rendering inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer in making six attacks in which 31,700 tons of enemy shipping were sunk and an unidentified vessel was damaged. Further, his devotion to duty throughout three previous War Patrols was of the highest order. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.