The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Milton A. Zimmerman, United States Navy, for gallantry in action north of Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. When an enemy plane crashed on the forecastle of his ship, the U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378), its torpedo exploding, Lieutenant Zimmerman, forced to abandon his station on a gun director, hastened to the remaining active guns and directed their fire for the remainder of the attack. 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.