The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Darrell Clinton Troutman (NSN: 0-625077/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VA-65), Detachment SIXTY-FOUR, embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On 26 October 1967, Lieutenant Commander Troutman demonstrated professional skill and devotion to duty in the planning and execution of an extremely dangerous single-plane night radar bombing attack on the strategically vital and heavily defended Hanoi railroad ferry complex. The sensitivity and importance of the mission, the requirement for precise placement of weapons, and the formidable nature of the Hanoi defensive posture placed unprecedented demands upon Lieutenant Commander Troutman’s judgment in flight planning and professional ability as a combat aviator. He fearlessly piloted his aircraft to the target area and commenced his attack. Although his aircraft was violently buffeted by the concussion of near misses and illuminated by enemy searchlights, he resolutely continued the attack. Undaunted by the threat to his personal safety, he released all his weapons in the target area with extreme accuracy, calmly guided his plane through anti-aircraft artillery fire and successfully completed his mission. Lieutenant Commander Troutman’s indomitable perseverance and courage, in the face of formidable enemy defenses, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.