The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Ellis Brooks Rittenhouse (NSN: 0-73309), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HUGHES (DD-410), Flagship for the Commander Ormoc Attack Group, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing at Ormoc, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 7 December 1944. Skillfully maneuvering his ship, Commander Rittenhouse assisted materially in successfully completing a difficult operation and, by his prompt action when the vessel was subjected to prolonged attack by enemy suicide planes, contributed to the destruction of fourteen hostile aircraft. His courage and effective leadership in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.