The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Payton L. Wirtz, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of a United States Destroyer in action in the Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942. In addition to participating in the initial attack against the islands, Lieutenant Commander Wirtz frequently brought his ship into the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area in the face of persistent Japanese air raids in order to escort and protect vessels bearing reinforcements and supplies to Marine forces established on the island shore. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.