The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Lawrence Kitch (NSN: 0-81056), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLACKFIN (SS-322), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the South China Sea, from 2 January to 15 February 1945. Demonstrating outstanding ability, Commander Kitch attacked and sank a 1,500-ton Japanese destroyer and damaged a 10,000-ton tanker. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.