The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] William Henderson Kirvan (NSN: 0-63326), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RODMAN (DD-456), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa, on 6 April 1945. When an overwhelming number of enemy suicide planes attacked his ship, Captain Kirvan coolly directed his ship in delivering maximum gunfire to destroy five of the attacking planes and assist in the destruction of others. After three of the suicide aircraft struck his ship and inflicted extremely heavy damage, he succeeded in extinguishing the fires and in saving his ship, maintaining a heavy volume of fire from his remaining guns. His courageous leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.