The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Daniel Sparks Baughman, Jr. (NSN: 0-82300), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer, Motor Torpedo Boat Division SEVENTEEN, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area. Under the strain of relentless combat in waters where navigational problems of tremendous proportions were encountered, Lieutenant Baughman, during the Buna phase of the New Guinea campaign, made repeated attacks on small hostile shipping and, by his aggressive fighting spirit, was able to sever a valuable Japanese line of communication. On the night of 24 – 25 December, 1942, he commanded a patrol which torpedoed and sank an enemy submarine and, on three subsequent occasions, he skillfully directed torpedo boats in the interception and destruction of landing craft bearing troops and supplies. By his inspiring leadership and courageous devotion to duty at great personal risk, he prevented urgently needed reinforcements and material from reaching the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.