The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Shipfitter Herman Francis Blunt (NSN: 2085734), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during the battle to the northward of Santa Cruz Island, on 26 October 1942. While being subjected to a determined enemy aerial attack, Chief Blunt, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, gallantly fought and assisted in extinguished a raging gasoline and powder conflagration which enveloped the forward part of his ship, thereby enabling her to continue her gun fire against attacking enemy planes and to keep her position as a screening destroyer in the Task Force. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.