The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (MC) Aloysius J. Havlik, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer aboard the U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378), north of Santa Cruz Island, on 26 October 1942. With the forecastle ablaze and enemy aircraft attacking his crippled ship, Lieutenant Havlik, with no regard for his own safety, sought out and cared for the wounded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.