The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence W. Hussey, United States Navy, for gallantry in action on 11 July 1943, when 32 enemy bombers swept down upon the S.S. ROBERT ROWAN, in which he was Armed Guard junior officer, during the anchorage off Sicily. Lieutenant Hussey assisted in the direction of gunfire and helped supervise the abandonment of the ship by Army personnel when three direct hits left his ship gutted by raging flames. He kept all available guns blazing until bursting ammunition made the ship completely untenable. 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.