The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman Winfield E. Bridges, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and outstanding devotion to duty in action against the enemy during the FIRST War Patrol of the U.S.S. CREVALLE (SS-291), in the period from 27 October 1943 to 7 December 1943. As the leading Chief Petty Officer of the ship and the Chief of the Watch and Hydraulic Manifold Operator in action he rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer and materially contributed to the success of his ship which was credited with the sinking of four enemy ships, including an auxiliary aircraft carrier, and the damaging of another for a total tonnage of 35,455 tons. His leadership in training the inexperienced men, who constituted a large part of the crew of the ship, and his fortitude in action at a trying station where he was required to stand by for long periods of time was in a great measure responsible for the results, and he was a constant source of inspiration to the men placed under him. By his actions on this patrol he demonstrated his gallantry and professional skill which were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.