The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Earl V. Sherman, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Navigator of the Cruiser U.S.S. CLEVELAND, operating as a unit of a Task Force during a bombardment of Japanese airfields and shore installations in the Vela-Stanhope area of Kolombangara, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. While proceeding through Kula Gulf to the target area, the Task Force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers. By his skillful navigation and accurate piloting of the ship’s position, Lieutenant Commander Sherman contributed materially to the success of the surface engagement and to the successful completion of the bombardment mission. His courage in an exposed station was an inspiration to the officers and men under his supervision and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.