The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Ensign [then Machinist] Paul R. Seifert (NSN: 0-129553), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while in charge of the engineering on board the U.S.S. STEWART (DD-224) in action against a greatly superior Japanese Naval force in the Badoeng Strait, off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. When shell fire pierced the steam line from the ship’s steering engine and feed water was being lost at a heavy rate, Machinist Seifert’s skillful handling of the distillers, and fresh and feed water pumping, enabled the vessel to keep her station, although her bottoms were nearly dry when port was reached. Again, when shell explosion rendered the steering engine room open to the sea, he directed the shifting of oil forward and maintained draining of that compartment so that the stern was kept up and the steering engine was not further damaged by sea water. Machinist Seifert’s 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.