The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Herbert S. Damon, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378) north of Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. When members of a gun crew were forced temporarily to abandon their station, Lieutenant Damon, in spite of smoke and flames from a crashed enemy plane, personally manned the gun and kept his battery firing throughout the engagement. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.