The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Kinlock Chafee Walpole (NSN: 0-70269), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. FITCH (DD-462), during action against enemy forces in the Bay of the Seine, France, from 7 to 14 June 1944. Operating as part of the Area Screen of the Naval Western Task Force, Commander Walpole rendered valuable service in protecting vessels in the area from German surface forces, submarines and aircraft. His courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.