The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Robert Kenneth Kaufman (NSN: 09-85314), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties in the U.S.S. GATO (SS-212), during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the Bismarck-New Guinea-Truk Area from 2 February 1944 to 1 April 1944. As Assistant Approach Officer and Gunnery Officer, his excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems, and his excellent supervision of gunnery personnel and their equipment, assisted his Commanding Officer considerably in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of six enemy vessels totaling 17,300 tons, and the damaging of another vessel of 4,500 tons. His coolness and high devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading severe enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.