The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Theodore Anthony Grell (NSN: 0-81182), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Navy Fighter Airplane in Fighting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VF-41), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. Participating in a vigorous raid on the Cazes airdrome, Lieutenant Grell contributed to the destruction of fourteen hostile planes on the ground and nine out of sixteen opposing fighters in the air. Later, the same day, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire, he took part in a strafing attack which silenced an enemy battery near Port Lyautey. His superb flying skill and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.