The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander William Christopher Hughes, Jr. (NSN: 0-70029), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SOMERS (DD-381), during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. During the night of 15 August 1944, while screening the landing of troops in the assault on the Isles de Hyeres, Commander Hughes discovered two enemy patrol vessels attempting to penetrated the screen. With outstanding seamanship and aggressive leadership, he promptly closed the enemy and engaged the leading vessel with accurate and effective gunfire. The first salvo set fire to and caused violent explosions on this target. Leaving it burning furiously from stem to stern with frequent detonations of explosives he pursued and disabled the second vessel, the German corvette, ex the Italian Comocio, with the initial salvo. After delivering fatal damage to the enemy ship but before its sinking, he directed the conduct of a thorough search, removing valuable intelligence material and capturing the Commanding Officer and twenty-two members of the naval crew as prisoners before they could make their escape in boats. The exceptional courage, fearless leadership and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Hughes were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander William Christopher Hughes, Jr. (NSN: 0-70029), United States Navy, for meritorious service in active sustained operations against the enemy in the Bay of Seine, France, from 7 June to 14 June 1944, in the Area Screen of the Naval Western Task Force. The Area Screen was charged with protecting vessels in Western Task Force Area from German surface forces and submarines, and to assist in the protection against aircraft. The U.S.S. SOMERS (DD-381), Commanded by Commander Hughes, performed its part of this task meritoriously, effectively and in a manner in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.