The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Luther Graham Keenum, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. STERRETT (DD-407), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Keenum bravely assisted in fighting fires after his ship had been raked by enemy guns. In order to operate the magazine flooding valve, Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Keenum daringly entered a flaming handling room, thereby contributing in great measure to the saving of the his. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.