The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William S. McLaughlin (MCSN: 0-6628), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Marine Detachment and Officer-in-Charge of Sky Forward aboard the U.S.S. NORTHAMPTON (CA-26), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island on the night of 30 November 1942. After his ship had been badly damaged by a torpedo hit and his station had been secured, Captain McLaughlin proceeded to the flight deck to direct operations of the 5-inch battery until the heavy list of the vessel prevented depressing the guns. Volunteering thereafter to organize and conduct a fire-fighting party, he personally manned a nozzle, making certain that hoses were played on ammunition boxes and hoists which were already smoking and in imminent danger of explosion. His heroic conduct, maintained at great risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.