The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander James Richard Hansen (NSN: 0-77061), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during operations against a superior enemy force on the night of 6 October 1943. Lieutenant Commander Hansen from his battle station as evaluator in Combat Information Center, kept his Commanding Officer informed at all times of the situation as it developed; his coolness and skill in casualty evaluating information enabled his vessel to destroy one enemy vessel by gun fire, and to score a possible torpedo hit on another; after his ship was struck by an enemy torpedo he displayed courage and valor above and beyond the call of duty. Despite a severe leg injury suffered in the explosion, Lieutenant Commander Hansen made a rapid, thorough and accurate inspection of damage and reported to his Commanding Officer the results thereof. He directed the work of repair parties in jettisoning topside weight, and attempted to save the ship, supervised the embarkation of the wounded, and by his calm and authoritative manner set an example which made the whole procedure seem easy. He refused to abandon ship until certain that all officers and men were off. He then swam to the U.S.S. O’BANNON, a distance of about 1,200 yards so that personnel whom he considered more severely wounded would have room in boats and other floatation gear. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.