The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Samuel Richard Chessman (NSN: 0-521324/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE (VA-195), embarked in U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CVA-14). On 20 April 1967, Commander Chessman brilliantly planned and flawlessly executed a successful attack against the Haiphong Thermal Power Plant, East. Commander Chessman and his strike group were subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire. The additional threat of enemy surface-to-air missiles from numerous sites completely surround the target, and high performance fighter aircraft from fields within 50 miles existed. In spite of concentrated and formidable opposition and an undercast making navigation difficult, Commander Chessman led the strike group to the target intact. After inflicting heavy damage to the enemy, he subsequently directed the placement of ordnance by the following elements of his group, ensuring maximum effectiveness of the mission. The soundness of the plan conceived and executed by Commander Chessman is attested to by the fact that he executed the hazardous approach, attack and retirement of the strike group without a loss of a single aircraft. By his gallant example, inspiring leadership, intrepid airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Commander Chessman upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.