The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Worthington Smith Bitler, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during the battle off the Komandorski Islands on 26 March 1943, when the Task Group of which his ship was a part engaged a superior enemy Japanese force twice its size, for a period of three hours and twenty-five minutes. Throughout the engagement, Commander Bitler as Executive Officer of a heavy cruiser proceeded from one damage area to another, in utter disregard of his own safety, and continuously supervised the progress of damage control. His calm attitude, his wide knowledge of damage control procedures and methods, absolute fearlessness and disregard of his own safety were a source of strength and confidence to all with whom he came in contact; and his reports to the Commanding Officer during the action, on the extent of damage and condition of the ship greatly assisted the Commanding Officer in making decisions and in fighting his ship. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.