The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Victor Bernard Graff (NSN: 0-81114), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. SHAW (DD-373), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 January 1945. When an enemy destroyer attempted to attack the disposition of which his ship was a member, Commander Graff boldly closed the hostile vessel and directed his gun batteries in delivering accurate fire which contributed to its destruction. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.