The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Edward Ferrall, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. SEADRAGON (SS-194), during the aggressive and successful FIFTH War Patrol in enemy waters during the period from 23 November 1942 to 7 January 1943. Taking advantage of every favorable attack opportunity, Lieutenant Commander Ferrall, by his courageous and proficient skill, succeeded in sinking one Japanese submarine of 1,400 tons and one freighter of 6,000 tons, and severely damaging another freighter of 4,800 tons. He brought his ship through without material impairment and his crew home without injury or loss of life. 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.