The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Percy H. Hauffman, United States Merchant Marines, for extraordinary heroism and outstanding devotion to duty in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the S.S. HILLARY A. HERBERT during the landings of Allied Forces at Anzio, Italy, on 22 January 1943. Master Hauffman showed extraordinary ability and courageous action under fire in landing the S.S. HILLARY A. HERBERT at the beachhead and discharging her cargo of ammunition, gasoline and other vital supplies during a terrific aerial and shore bombardment.