The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Rodney Bickham Lair (NSN: 0-62070), United States Navy, for gallantry in combat and conscientious devotion to duty as Engineering Officer on board the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 12 and 13 November 1942. Despite the tremendous difficulties of keeping the engines functioning during bombing and torpedo attacks by the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Lair directed operations with such skill and distinction that the ship was under complete control at all times. When informed that the Flag Officer, Captain and other officers on the bridge had been killed, Lieutenant Commander Lair, believing himself to be the senior survivor, went immediately to the conning tower and rendered invaluable assistance in directing the course of the battered ship to a place of safety. His fine courage and expert seamanship in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.