The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Coxswain William Henry Albright (NSN: 2233465), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the crew of the S.S. COLUMBIAN during action against an enemy submarine on 17 July 1942. Maintaining cool courage and alert presence of mind throughout the tense pursuit by the surfaced submarine and the eventual exchange of fire which resulted in probable destruction of the enemy vessel, Coxswain Albright rendered valuable assistance to the Commanding Officer and aided greatly in extricating the COLUMBIAN from a perilous encounter without damage to herself or casualty to her crew. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.