The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Arnold Henry Holtz (NSN: 0-70100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203) in action against enemy forces from 13 July 1942 to 20 April 1943. During the THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH and SIXTH War Patrols of his Submarine, Lieutenant Commander Holtz, exercising superior tactical knowledge and brilliant initiative, directed the ship’s maneuvers with such skill and aggressiveness that the TUNA was able to destroy 8,500 tons of enemy shipping, a probable 14,581 additional tons, and to severely damage another 12,500 tons without suffering serious impairment despite intense and persistent hostile countermeasures. The exemplary conduct and valiant devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Holtz under extremely adverse conditions contributed greatly to the success of the vital missions assigned to his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.