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 [then Lieutenant] Henry Joseph Brantingham (NSN: 0-82613), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Section Leader of a Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron operating against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 29 June to 6 December 1943. Leading his boats in repeated attacks against enemy barges and other surface craft, Lieutenant Commander Brantingham severely damaged or destroyed numerous hostile craft on each mission without damage to his own vessels despite extremely heavy enemy fire from barges and shore batteries and the harassing action of float planes. On the night of 23 – 24 July, as Senior Section Leader of twelve boats, he daringly engaged three Japanese destroyers which were attempting to reinforce their garrison at Vila, Kolombangara, compelling the hostile warships to retire before reaching their objective. Again, on the night of 1 – 2 August, he led fifteen motor torpedo boats in an attack against five enemy destroyers in Blackett Strait, scoring a total of five probable hits. Lieutenant Commander Brantingham’s cool courage in the face of grave danger and his inspiring leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.