The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander George Hays Laird, Jr. (NSN: 0-72252), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer, Navigator and Data Computer Operator aboard a United States Submarine during her first three War Patrols in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Executing his many tasks with outstanding ability and inspiring calmness under hostile depth-bomb, depth-charge and gunfire attacks, Lieutenant Commander Laird rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in the sinking of a large Japanese submarine and the sinking or damaging of an important amount of other Japanese combatant and merchant shipping. A courageous and skillful seaman, Lieutenant Commander Laird was instrumental in effecting the safe return of his ship to base and his valiant devotion to duty in the fulfillment of these hazardous missions was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.