The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Van C. Cavin, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Damage Control Assistant aboard U.S.S. TRIPOLI (LPH-10) in hostile waters in the Northern Persian Gulf on 18 February 1991. When TRIPOLI struck a submerged mine and was in danger of sinking, Chief Warrant Officer Cavin, at great personal risk, repeatedly re-entered damaged areas that were under continuous threat of explosive vapors. He directed damage control efforts that controlled flooding and established boundaries that limited damage and allowed TRIPOLI to continue combat operations for several days. These sustained operations were absolutely essential to the scheme of maneuvers ashore and led directly to minimizing coalition casualties. Chief Warrant Officer Cavin’s daring actions, professional competence, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.