My friends, so much has been said about the intrepid Capt E.E. Shelby, God rest his soul, that I am adding his career to this page. According to Capt Mansell, then X.O. to Capt Shelby, Capt Shelby was truly a man without fear. He got into surface gun fights and ran his boat in a fearless manner. My father thought the world of him, so here is his story.

Edward Ellis Shelby was born in Memphis, Tenn, on 1 Sept, 1910, the son of David and Florence Shelby. On 18 June, 1929, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of '33. He achieved the rank of Captain on 1 January, 1952.

After graduation, he had sea duty until Dec, 1936, aboard the USS Raleigh, the flagship of ComDes Scouting Force, and aboard the USS Drayton, which operated under the CNO. In Jan, 37, he reported to the Submarine Base, New London, for submarine instruction and completed that course in June of the same year. He was ordered to the sub S-42. He detached in Aug, 1940, and reported to R-17 where he served until 7 Dec, 41. He assumed command of R-12, and was one of five survivors, when it mysteriously sank off of the Florida coast in Jun of 42.

He reported to the USS SUNFISH in Dec, 1943, and there her fortunes changed for the better. While in command of this boat, the SUNFISH and her crew were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th patrols and then Cdr Shelby was awarded the SILVER STAR and THREE NAVY CROSSES.

SILVER STAR citation reads: "For conspicious gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the USS SUNFISH, during the sixth war patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese controlled waters, from 15 Jan to 7 Mar, 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike a large enemy ship on the night of Feb 23-24, (he) launched a bold torpedo attack to sink the hostile vessel in 13 minutes, despite persistent counter-measures. Subsequently contacting an enemy freighter, he launched two separate attacks to sink it. In addition, he carried out assignments of photographic reconnaisance and lifeguard services in the Marianas."

NAVY CROSS number ONE states: "For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS SUNFISH during her 7th war patrol...22 Jun to 1 Aug, 1944...(he) launched three bold attacks against a heavily-escorted enemy convoy to sink three freighters totalling 15,000 tons and damaging an additional freighter of 6,000 tons. Closing with a convoy of thirteen sampans escorted by three heavily armed trawlers, Cdr Shelby engaged this force in a running gun battle at close range on the surface. Accurate fire and skillful maneuvering of SUNFISH resulted in the destruction of the entire convoy totalling 2,600 tons...and brought his boat safe to port..."

NAVY CROSS number TWO states: "As Commanding Officer of the USS SUNFISH, during her 8th war patrol, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 20 Aug to 27 Sept, 1944...Cdr Shelby pressed home brillantly executed torpedo attacks against enemy shipping, sinking two large tankers and two freighters for a total of 33,500 tons and damaging a 7,500 ton tanker...he executed successful evasive tactics and avoided severe damage to his boat..."

NAVY CROSS number THREE states: "For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the USS SUNFISH during her 9th war patrol in enemy-infested waters, from 23 Oct to 19 Dec, 1944. Maneuvering his boat in extremely shallow waters with great tactical skill and aggressiveness, Cdr Shelby braved intense hostile counter-measures, including aerial attack, and fire from many enemy escorts, to strike effectively at Japanese shipping and sink Japanese vessels totalling 23,800 tons...and brought his boat safe to port.

Detached from the SUNFISH in April of 1945, he reported to the Electric Boat Company to fit out the USS Corporal (SS 345) as prospective C.O. and commanded her briefly until Jan of 46, when he reported for duty at the Sub Base, Balboa, Canal Zone, where he was the E and R officer and then the X.O. until Jul of 48. He was a student at the Armed Forces Staff College for the next six months and in Feb of 49, reported for duty as the Ops Officer on the staff of COMSUB Squadron eight. Subsequent post-war assignments included: C.O. SUBDIV 22, C.O. Sub Squadron 6, and C.O. USS Elokomin (AO-55). Capt Shelby served as the Chief of Staff, COMSERVFOR, LANT, from Mar 60 until his retirement in Mar of 62. A brillant career spanning 29 years of service to his country. He died of stomach cancer in June of 1973.

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