The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander James Lardner Semmes (NSN: 0-77163), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FRANKFORD (DD-497), while operating on the outer beachhead screen during the amphibious invasion of Southern France on the night of 17 – 18 August 1944. Lieutenant Commander Semmes, displaying outstanding skill and daring, led his ship into action with three other boats attempting to pierce the outer beachhead screen and inflict damage on valuable shipping anchored inshore, which was discharging urgent cargo over the assault beaches in support of the Allied Armies. In the ensuing engagement, he fought his ship with conspicuous gallantry and captured one enemy craft, probably sank another, and took fourteen prisoners including the captain of the captured boat. These decisive operations, fearlessly executed, prevented probable disruption of unloading operations and contributed materially to our ability to provide an uninterrupted flow of supplies to the rapidly advancing ground forces. The aggressive leadership, intrepidity in action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Semmes were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.