The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Robert Hewett Harwood, Jr. (NSN: 0-123423), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. GURNARD (SS-254), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 16 April to 11 June 1944. Skilled in the control of depth, Lieutenant Commander Harwood rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful torpedo attacks which resulted in sinking or damaging of more than 62,000 tons of enemy shipping. By his leadership and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Harwood contributed to the success of his ship in making undetected approaches in flat seas to close firing range and in evading severe enemy countermeasures, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.