The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Peyton Louis Wirtz (NSN: 0-70349), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ZANE (DMS-14), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942, and subsequently from 7 to 15 September 1942. In addition to participating in the initial attacks against the islands, Lieutenant Commander Wirtz frequently brought his ship into the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area in the face of persistent Japanese aerial raids in order t o escort and protect vessels bearing reinforcements and supplies to Marine forces established on the island shore. His proficient execution of an extremely responsible task and his courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Peyton Louis Wirtz (NSN: 0-70349), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ZANE (DMS-14), a high-speed mine layer, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area in June and July 1943. Although under continual threat of enemy submarine attacks and frequently subjected to severe aerial bombings and shelling by hostile shore batteries, Commander Wirtz successfully transported troops and supplies through extremely hazardous, Japanese-infested waters in support of the vital landing operations on Rendova Island and the subsequent occupation of the New Georgia Group, skillfully driving off the enemy attacks and bringing the ZANE through undamaged. The expert seamanship and aggressive fighting spirit displayed by Commander Wirtz contributed materially to the success of our forces in this area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.