The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] William Toxey Zeigler (NSN: 0-390138), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of a Fire Fighting Party on board the U.S.S. NEWCOMB (DD-586), in action against Japanese suicide planes which attacked that vessel in the vicinity of Okinawa, 6 April 1945. Cool and courageous in the face of raging fires and explosions from repeated hits by enemy suicide planes, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Zeigler skillfully directed the removal of smoldering powder from handling rooms and hoist, thereby preventing highly probable magazine explosions. His personal bravery and inspiring leadership throughout the attack reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Zeigler and the United States Naval Service.