The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Joseph L. Cronin, United States Navy, for gallantry in action when his destroyer assisted in frustrating Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, 7 August to 12 November 1942. During the initial landings at Guadalcanal he assisted in providing ammunition for the machine guns and in laying a torpedo tube which resulted in the sinking of a hostile destroyer. On another occasion, though wounded, he remained at his station until action ceased. 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.