The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Anton Bennett Anderson (NSN: 0-7909), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Commander of a Task Unit carrying reinforcements to the American-held positions in the Empress Augusta Bay area on Bougainville, British Solomon Islands, on 8 November 1943. In carrying out the above assignment, Captain Anderson’s force was subjected to a coordinated attack by approximately 100 enemy torpedo and fighter planes. In the ensuing action he displayed outstanding courage and excellent leadership in repelling the assault. He disposed his forces with such skill and tactical ability that he made it possible for his command to destroy seven of the enemy aircraft with only slight damage to his ship, and to successfully complete the mission assigned. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.