The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Robert J. Huston, Jr. (NSN: 0-159885), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Damage Control Officer aboard the U.S.S. La VALLETTE (DD-448) when that ship was torpedoed by enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific Area on 30 January 1943. Taking charge of the repair party immediately following the explosion, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Huston, with a member of the crew, struggled to the forward port corner of the fireroom, adjacent to the steaming boiler and, despite the threatened collapse of the bulkhead, forced his way through a stream of in-rushing water in order to plug the hole, shore the bulkhead, and prevent further flooding of the ship. By his courageous and skillful damage-control measures, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Huston was largely responsible for the safe arrival of his vessel in port. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.