The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Nathaniel Scudder Prime (NSN: 0-60190), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CONWAY (DD-507), during the operation of U.S. Naval forces against Barakoma, Vella LaVella on 15 August 1943. While approaching Barakoma, during the unloading of the L.S.T.’s, the U.S.S. CONWAY, as a unit of the screen was subjected with the other ships of Task Unit 31.5.3 to three daylight and one prolonged night bombing attacks. During the daylight attacks the U.S.S. CONWAY assisted with gunfire in the defeat of the enemy aircraft which penetrated our fighter coverage. During the prolonged night attack the U.S.S. CONWAY assisted in laying smoke which frustrated the enemy attacks and successfully avoided bombs aimed at her. The successful completion of the mission of the Task Unit was greatly assisted by the heroism, and skillful fighting and maneuvering of his ship by Commander Prime. 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.