The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign [then Chief Machinist’s Mate] Harold M. Steeves, United States Navy, for gallantry in action when his ship was damaged by a bomb during an air attack off Palermo, Sicily, on 26 July 1943. Ensign Steeves went to the aid of men trapped in the forward engine room which was flooded and filled with escaping steam and rescued one of his comrades. He assisted in repairing and operating the pumps in the forward fireroom until the flooding of this compartment was brought under control. 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.