The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William O. Talley, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Commanding Officer of a Tank Landing Ship operating in the British Solomon Islands area from July 1943 to May 1944. During this period Lieutenant Talley displayed exceptional ability and outstanding seamanship in navigating his vessel through the treacherous waters and succeeded in unloading supplies on the beaches following the establishment of our beachheads on enemy-held islands. His courageous leadership and skillful handling of the vessel during numerous enemy bombings and strafing attacks were in inspiration to the men under his command and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.