The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Fred Frank Asten (NSN: 2042097), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Captain of a torpedo battery on the U.S.S. WALLER (DD-446), operating as a unit of a task force assigned to carry out a bombardment of Japanese airfields and shore installations in the Vila-Stanhope area on Kolombangara, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. While proceeding through Kula Gulf to the target area, the task force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers. By his able direction of the battery crew and accurate firing of torpedoes, Chief Asten contributed to the success of the surface engagement. His courage in an exposed station was an inspiration to his subordinates and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.