The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Frank Edward Hayler (NSN: 0-77160), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAKE (SS-256), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 5 August to 25 September 1944. Aggressively attacking a heavily escorted enemy convoy which was under the additional protection of bomber planes, Commander Hayler sank one of the escorting warships and, maneuvering to avoid all dangers to his ship in spite of counterattack by depth charging, gunfire from enemy escort vessels and bombing by aircraft, returned his submarine safe to port. His leadership, skill and courage reflect the highest credit upon Commander Hayler and the United States Naval Service.