The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Edgar Whitham, United States Navy, for gallantry in action aboard a United States warship during the opening offensive against enemy shore positions in Tulagi Bay, 7 August 1942. When an explosion occurred in a forward gun mount, resulting in a number of casualties, Chief Boatswain’s Mate Whitham rushed into the smoking mount, helped extinguish flames from the burning clothing of two injured and unconscious members of the gun crew and assisted in carrying them to safety. 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.