The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Richard Holden (NSN: 0-78832), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On 31 March and 1 April 1942, as Depth Control Officer of the U.S.S. SEAWOLF (SS-197), he rendered inestimable assistance to his Commanding Officer during three successful attacks at close range on heavily screened Japanese light cruisers off Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, by his expert skill and coolness in the face of heavy and persistent depth charge attacks. On one occasion when his ship was accidentally blown to the surface, he promptly and adeptly regained depth control and returned her to the desired depth, thereby avoiding the results of further depth charge attacks, and assuring the safety of his ship. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.