The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Max Silverstein (NSN: 0-71595), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Engineer and Damage Control Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. SIMS (DD-409), which was lost during combat action in the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. After having been rendered unconscious by concussion from the first bomb which hit the ship, Lieutenant Silverstein coolly resumed his duties, directing the securing of boilers, the jettisoning of torpedo weights to preserve stability and the preparations for repairs to save the vessel from sinking. Lieutenant Silverstein’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.