The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Houck Buracker (NSN: 0-55970), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander during a series of highly successful offensive missions carried out by that force, namely, the attack on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, other subsequent and similar operations in the central Pacific, and in the Battle of Midway, covering the period from 6 December 1941 to June 1942. During this period the force repeatedly steamed for protracted periods in enemy waters and in close proximity to enemy territory and bases under constant threat of attack by air and submarine. During the Marshalls attack the force was engaged with enemy heavy bombers whose attacks resulted in minor damage only, in large part due to the skill, courage, and determination of Commander Buracker under fire. In the other actions which were successful without exception and which inflicted heavy damage to enemy installations and shipping, Commander Buracker contributed materially to that success and to bringing the force through unscathed. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.