The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Theodore F. Bruno (NSN: 0-120316), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On 25 December 1942, while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (PT-122), during a surface engagement between that vessel and a Japanese submarine, he distinguished himself by launching a daring and courageous attack which sank the enemy without damage to his own ship. Further, when his ship was rendered helpless by a total lack of torpedoes and depth charges, he skillfully maneuvered her to avoid four torpedoes launched by a second enemy vessel. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.