The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Horace Douglass Moulton (NSN: 0-70162), United States Navy, for extremely gallant and intrepid conduct in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander during the Battle of Stewart Island, 24 August 1942. Constantly in danger from enemy surface and submarine forces while operating in hostile waters, the Task Force to which Lieutenant Commander Moulton was attached was repeatedly subjected to heavy enemy air attacks in this action. His cool determination and courage under fire were important factors contributing to the successful culmination of this battle. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Horace D. Moulton, 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 14 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 Lieutenant Commander Moulton under fire. In the other actions which were successful without exception and which inflicted heavy damage on enemy installations and shipping, Lieutenant Commander Moulton 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.