The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Clarence Broussard (NSN: 0-60318), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. HOUSTON (CL-81), during operations against enemy Japanese forces off Formosa, on the nights of 12, 13, and 14 October 1944. When his ship sustained major damage from a torpedo hit on 14 October after three prolonged night aerial attacks in which seven hostile planes were destroyed, Captain Broussard made several hazardous trips of inspection into the lower sections of the ship and greatly assisted the Captain and Damage Control Officer in forming a complete estimate of the damage. Continuing his tireless efforts, he moved about the darkened ship and supervised the evacuation of personnel to safe quarters. Subsequently, after the ship received a second torpedo hit on the night of 16 October, Captain Broussard directed the extinguished of a dangerous gasoline fire that threatened the after part of the vessel. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.