The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Richard Shaw Harlan (NSN: 0-81276), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. STANLEY (DD-478), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 12 April 1945. Fighting his ship with skill and courage during a savage attack by enemy suicide planes and piloted bombs, Commander Harlan maintained a steady barrage of heavy anti-aircraft fire against the fanatic Japanese, blasting two of the enemy out of the sky. When the STANLEY was struck by an enemy bomb and sustained additional damage from another which exploded close aboard, he directed his crew in effective measures toward controlling the damage, thereby enabling his gallant ship to continue in action against the Japanese forces. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Commander Harlan contributed to the success of our vital operations at Okinawa, and his conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.