The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Vernon Emery Binion (NSN: 0-111637), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Gunnery Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451) during the night engagement against enemy Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 6 October 1945. Skillfully directing heavy and accurate gunfire against the Japanese, Lieutenant Binion enabled his ship to destroy one hostile vessel and score a possible torpedo hit upon another. After the CHEVALIER was severely damaged by the enemy, he courageously supervised the removal of the wounded from his battle station and, despite painful lacerations about the face, took charge of the after battery to ward off possible further attack, steadfastly remaining at his post until ordered to abandon ship. His calm courage in the face of grave danger and his fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.