The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Handy Hartt, Jr. (NSN: 0-17020), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commander of the Minesweeping Group at the time of the original landing of our forces in the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942, and subsequently as Commander Screening Force from 7 to 12 September 1942. In addition to commanding a force of screening and minesweeping vessels in the initial attack against the islands, Captain Hartt frequently re-entered the Guadalcanal-Tulagi Area in the face of persistent Japanese aerial raids in order to escort and protect vessels bearing reinforcements and supplies to Marine forces established on the island shore. His judicious execution of an extremely responsible task contributed to the successful accomplishment of the mission of his force and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.