The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Paul A. Bachofer (NSN: 2432351), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the U.S.S. SCULPIN (SS-181), during the SECOND through FIFTH War Patrols of that Submarine in the enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific areas from 30 January 1942 to 26 October 1942. As Senior Assistant to the Engineering Officer in charge of main engines, Chief Bachofer demonstrated outstanding leadership, loyalty and industry. In the early days of the war, when the submarines of the Asiatic and Southwest Pacific Forces were seemingly without appreciable support, assistance, spare parts or sympathy, it was largely through Chief Bachofer’s skill, determination and ingenuity that SCULPIN was able to complete four war patrols, a total of 206 days at sea during a 269 day period. In action, Chief Bachofer was an invaluable stabilizing influence on the entire ship’s company. In charge of the after damage control party, his prompt and effective actions on the morning of 7 February 1942, when SCULPIN was detected and badly depth charged by the enemy forces sortied from Starring Bay, Celebes, did much toward minimizing the resulting damage. By his consistent and conscientious attention to duty throughout the SECON through FIFTH War Patrols, Chief Bachofer contributed directly toward the success of his ship in attacks which resulted in the sinking of the 4,731 ton transport NAMINOUE, the 1,921 ton cargo ship SUMIYOSHI and the damaging of the destroyer SUZUKAZE and eight other ships. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.