The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Halford A. Knoertzer (NSN: 0-71356), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while in Command of a United States Destroyer, participating in the capture and occupation of Saipan, the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 – 20 June 1944; the capture and occupation of Guam, the following raids: Palau-Yap-Ulithi 25 – 27 July 1944, Mindanao and Visayas 9 – 14 September 1944, Luzon 21 – 23 September 1944, Nansei Shoto and Formosa 6 – 14 October 1944, support raids against enemy installations in the Philippines 20 October to 27 November 1944, and the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea 24 – 25 October 1944. His ship maintained an outstanding record for providing gunfire protection for our heavy units against enemy air attacks particularly on 12, 13, and 14 October 1944, and for the rescue of twenty-two downed air crews. His courage and intrepidity in action was an inspiration to his men and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.