The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Paul Whitefield Hord, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Navigation Officer of the U.S.S. MONTPELIER (CL-57), operating as a unit of a Task Force during a bombardment of Japanese airfields and shore installations in the Vila-Stanhope area on Kolombangara, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. While proceeding through Kula Gulf to the target area, the Task Force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers. By his skillful navigation and timely discovery of enemy vessels, Lieutenant Commander Hord contributed materially to the success of the surface engagement and to the successful completion of the bombardment mission. His courage was an inspiration to all aboard and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.