The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class William J. Hanstein, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as coxswain of a support boat during the amphibious assault at Salerno in September 1943. Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Hanstein maneuvered his boat skillfully and with aggressive determination to direct an accurate rocket barrage against hostile installations and rendered invaluable assistance to the scout officer aboard his craft in locating proper landing beaches and guiding assault waves. 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.