The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Mortz Nils Andrewsen (NSN: 0-168253), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action with the enemy during World War II. During two days of continuous air raids on the anchorage of his ship he spent four hours underwater in an improvised mask, without use of staging, in repairing damage to his ship, using welding equipment with which he was unfamiliar to do this. During several of his dives his ship opened fire on planes, and during one dive his tending party was driven from his pump by the guns. He was unaffected by any of the many dangers of his position. He contributed materially to restoring his ship promptly to full fighting efficiency. His conduct was an inspiration to his men and was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.