The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Robert Alvin Brettell (NSN: 0-162464), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during the occupation of New Georgia and Vella Lavella, British Solomon Islands, from 16 July to 1 December 1943. During this time Ensign Brettell, as Officer-in-Charge of Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE (PT-169), carried out extraordinary and arduous assignments which contributed materially to the partial destruction and successful interruption of Japanese shipping in and around Vella Gulf and Choiseul Bay. On the night of 1 August, accompanied by other torpedo boats, he engaged five enemy destroyers in Vella Gulf, resulting in five or six probable hits. While harassed by Japanese aircraft, he participated in numerous engagements with enemy landing craft, ships and shore installations. His leadership, tactical ability and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.