The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Ernest S. Baldwin (NSN: 3930641), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the U.S.S. SCULPIN (SS-191), during the SECOND through FIFTH War Patrols of that Submarine in the enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific areas from 30 January 1942 to 26 October 1942. As Leading Auxiliaryman, Chief Baldwin was outstanding for his leadership, courage, presence of mind and mechanical ability. He kept the equipment under his charge in top condition at all times. On 28 September 1942, off Rabaul, New Britain, the SCULPIN was viciously counterattacked following a successful attack on an enemy motor vessel. While at 250 feet submergence, a close string of depth charges did serious damage to the ship including breaking a very inaccessible sea connection outboard of all valves in the forward battery compartment. In spite of great difficulties occasioned by the violent inrush of water and the inaccessibility of the lead, Chief Baldwin, after about an hour of exhausting labor, affected temporary repairs which permitted SCULPIN to remain submerged and eventually to elude the hunting anti-submarine vessels. Without question he saved the ship. Had the leak persisted the SCULPIN would have been forced, by increasing negative buoyancy and chlorine gas, to surface in the face of overwhelming odds. Later, Chief Baldwin directed permanent repairs to this and other damage, which permitted SCULPHI to remain on station and complete a normal patrol. His consistent and conscientious attention to duty throughout the SECOND through FIFTH War Patrols contributed directly in the sinking of the 4,731-ton transport NAMINOUE, the 1,921-ton cargo ship SUMIYOSHI and the damaging of the destroyer SUZUKAZE and eight other ships. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.