The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant James F. A. O’Neill, Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during an engagement by the HMNZA KIWI and HMNZS MOA with a Japanese submarine at Kamimbo, near Guadalcanal, on 29 and 30 January 1943. Lieutenant O’Neill conducted the gunner action from his exposed battle station on the bridge of his ship, scoring several effective hits on the enemy submarine and contributing materially to the destruction of the enemy vessel. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.