The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Arthur Laurence Maher (NSN: 0-58105), United States Navy, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Gunnery Officer on Board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. HOUSTON (CA-30), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Sunda Strait, from 28 February to 1 March 1942. When his ship, accompanied by H.M.A.S. PERTH, closed with a strong Japanese force of cruisers, destroyers and motor torpedo boats covering a landing along a thirty-mile stretch of the coast of Batan Bay and Sunda Strait, in a daring night engagement, Captain Maher expertly directed his Gunnery Department, weakened by a previous battle, in the delivery of devastating fire against the ships of the hostile Fleet. Manning his battle station in the foretop during the ensuing bitter melee and observing two torpedoes approaching the ship from aft, one ten feet from the port side and one ten yards from the starboard side, he skillfully aided the captain, whose view aft was obstructed, in conning the ship between the two torpedoes, undoubtedly saving the vessel and permitting her to fight on for an additional half-hour. With all effective guns firing to the last until the HOUSTON began to turn over, Captain Maher, although suffering from a painful shrapnel wound, refused to leave the stricken ship until ordered to do so. His valiant actions, aggressive leadership and heroic devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.