Ackerman, Edward, LCDR

USS Kete (SS-369) began her second war patrol, clearing Guam on 1 March 1945. After three weeks, she was down to three torpedoes, having sunk four enemy ships. She was ordered back to Midway but never arrived, and was listed as presumed lost, 16 April 1945. Lieutenant Commander Ackerman was listed as Missing in Action and later declared dead 1 April 1946.

Service number: 082383

Commands and duties:
Diving Officer - USS Grayback (SS-208) - 1942 and 1943
Executive Officer - USS Grayback (SS-208) - 9/30/42 to 12/1/43
Executive Officer - USS Kete (SS-369) - 7/44 to 1/45
Commanding Officer - USS Kete (SS-369) - 2/20/45 to 3/20/45

Silver Star
Awarded for actions during World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Grayback (SS-208)
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0547 (March 11, 1944)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Edward Ackerman (NSN: 0-82383), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. During the first SEVEN War Patrols of the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS-208), Lieutenant Ackerman, as Diving Officer, calmly and skillfully maintained depth control of his ship during torpedo attacks and during trying conditions of no less than 15 enemy depth-charge counterattacks. On one occasion, when a main ballast tank malfunctioned, he took corrective action to prevent loss of trim and serious damage or loss of his ship. His assistance to his Commanding Officer contributed to the successful attacks on seven enemy ships, including a destroyer, during a single war patrol. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.