The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Archibald Emil Uehlinger (NSN: 0-57791), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA (BB-57), which participated in the engagement with Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. His battle station was struck by five enemy shells, which ruptured steam and started fires that apparently cut off all chance of escape. Commander Uehlinger, with complete disregard of his own safety, refused to abandon his station and his cool and fearless example so steadied the remaining personnel, that his battle station remained efficiently manned throughout the engagement. His calm and courageous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.