The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Daniel Ermentrout Henry (NSN: 0-81083), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer on board the Destroyer U.S.S. SELFRIDGE (DD-357), torpedoed during the night engagement against enemy Japanese naval forces northwest of Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, on 6 October 1943. With calm courage and sound judgment, Lieutenant Commander Henry quickly evaluated the extent of damage for the Task Group Commander and the Commanding Officer despite devastating wreckage and failure of the communication and lighting system. Exercising great skill, thorough knowledge of the ship and ingenious resourcefulness, he worked tirelessly in the darkness, supervising salvage operations, control of damage and the evacuation of the wounded. His heroic devotion to duty and superb leadership in the face of grave danger were of invaluable aid to the Commanding Officer and contributed materially to saving the vessel and returning her safe to port. 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.