The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign William Bannard (NSN: 0-161697), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. As Second Officer of PT-190 from September through December 1943, he made more than 36 offensive patrols against Japanese barge traffic along the north coast of New Guinea and the Southwest coast of New Britain. During this period his boat sank or destroyed three armed enemy barges, two aircraft and one torpedo boat. He exhibited a marked degree of coolness and skill in performance of his duties despite numerous occasions when he was under severe fire from shore batteries and bombing and strafing attacks by enemy aircraft. On the morning of 27 December 1943, when his boat and PT-191 were attacked by 30 to 40 enemy diver bombers and fighters he demonstrated a high degree of courage and ability in directing gunfire and performing his other duties to the end that after 45 minutes of bombing and strafing four enemy planes were shot down while his boat sustained only minor damage. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.