USS Thresher (SS-200) was the most decorated United States Navy submarine of World War II, with 15 battle stars and a Navy Unit Commendation. Thresher was the third of twelve Tambor-class submarines that were commissioned. All twelve fought in the war, and she was one of five to survive it.
Thresher as she appeared prewar, with hull number prominently displayed. Note also her conning tower has the large slab silhouette which would be rapidly reduced with wartime experience,
USS Thresher following refitting in the summer of 1943.
Most decorated US Naval vessels of World War II
This list catalogs the most honored US Naval vessels of the Second World War. It is placed in descending order of earned Battle Stars; descending accorded unit recognitions; descending ship size by type; and ascending hull number. It contains only vessels that earned fifteen or more Battle Stars for World War II service.
Image: USS Enterprise (CV 6) in Puget Sound, September 1945
Image: USS San Diego (CL 53) underway on 8 March 1944 (NH 97825)
Image: USS San Francisco (CA 38) enters San Francisco Bay, December 1942
Image: USS O'Bannon (DDE 450) off the Mare Island Navy Yard in 1951