The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Joseph Hunt Bourland (NSN: 0-72277), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. RUNNER (SS-275), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel against enemy Japanese surface forces in the Toegel Mlungui Passage, Palau, from 18 January to 7 March 1945. Skilled and courageous in the performance of duty, Lieutenant Commander Bourland rendered invaluable service during the execution of a daylight, submerged attack in restricted waters, contributing materially to the achievement of the RUNNER in sinking three Japanese freighters totaling 19,815 tons and the damaging of two additional ships totaling 14, 189 tons and to her success in evading severe enemy countermeasures. Lieutenant Commander Bourland’s heroic conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.