The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Keene Gwynn Hammond (NSN: 0-81189), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Section of Leader 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 numerous flight missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Hammond pressed home his attacks with bold determination and utter disregard for his own personal safety. Over Casablanca harbor he led a section of sixteen planes in repeated strafing raids on hostile cruisers and destroyers headed toward our transports, thereby diverting an imminent attack on our landing forces. Later, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire, he led a section of dive bombers which destroyed five enemy planes on the ground at the Cazes airfield. In five other flights he struck at hostile shore batteries, submarines, and motorized units, and engaged in combat air patrol over our carrier formation. His superb flying skill and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.