This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Underwood, Gordon Waite, CAPT USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Jamestown, New York
Last Address Portland, Oregon
Date of Passing Jan 15, 1978
Wall/Plot Coordinates Burial location unknown.
Military Service Number 71 439
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Captain Gordon Waite Underwood was born in New York on 3 June 1910, and at an early age moved with his family to Portland, Oregon from where he was appointed to the US Naval Academy in the class of 1932. At the Naval Academy he proved to be an outstanding student and superb athlete. He earned letters and starred in football and track. He was awarded the coveted "Academy Sword" for athletic excellence.
Following his graduation from the 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 including one aircraft carrier, the 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, became associated with Spelin Inc., Mountain View California, in which he was Vice President. He was also Vice President of Filter-Aire of Hollister, California until his retirement. He died January 15, 1978 at the age of 67.
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
Commander Unit: Commanding Officer USS Spadefish (SS-411) / U.S. Navy Action: 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." Details: Received as a second Gold Star for on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.
