The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander William Marvin Searles, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LEWIS HANCOCK (DD-675), on 19 November 1944. When attacked by a Japanese torpedo plane he maneuvered his ship to bring the maximum gunfire to bear and assisted in the plane’s destruction. When a second torpedo plane attacked he again maneuvered the ship with such skill that the enemy’s torpedo missed and, bringing maximum guns to bear he damaged the plane so that it subsequently crashed. As a result of his outstanding effort the ship sustained no personnel or material casualties. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.