The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Russell E. Hamachek, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of PT-150 during patrols against Japanese barge traffic along the northern coast of New Guinea. Lieutenant Hamachek assisted in sinking five of the enemy craft on 20 July 1943. Braving intense enemy counterfire on two later occasions, he helped sink one barge and probably destroyed another. 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.