The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Henry G. Moran, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as First Lieutenant and Damage Control Officer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. Commander Moran skillfully directed operations which resulted in extinguishing many violently blazing fires aboard the HORNET, and promptly instituted all possible counter flooding measures when needed. He worked tirelessly throughout the ship in attempting to control the heavy damage. Commander Moran’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.