The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Harry C. Gifford, United States Coast Guard, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on board the Transport Ship U.S.S. CALLAWAY (APA-35), Flagship of Transport Division TWENTY-SIX, when that vessel was struck by a Japanese plane in Lingayen Gulf, off the Coast of Luzon, in the Philippine Islands, on 8 January 1945. By his cool and capable direction, the engine room force was led in the operation of the ships machinery in spite of the fire, smoke and exploding ammunition caused by enemy action. As a result of his capable leadership the ship was enable to continue on her primary mission in the assault of Lingayen Gulf on the day following.