The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Theodore R. Wirth, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Executive Officer of a United States warship during operations in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. Commander Wirth acted as First Lieutenant and Damage Control Officer during the Coral Sea and Midway actions, and as Executive Officer in the engagements of 24 August and 26 October 1942. He rendered invaluable service while participating in the ship’s mission and again when his ship engaged a Japanese surface force off Guadalcanal on 13 November, and remained at his battle station, though wounded in action, persistently alert in spite of exhaustion from loss of blood, and stood ready to take over conning the vessel. Commander Wirth’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.