The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Victor Dismukes Long (NSN: 0-59709), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commander of the screening destroyers of a Fast Carrier Task Group on 13 October 1944. While in action with the enemy and when a group of enemy torpedo planes executed a fast and cleverly concealed attack at dusk upon our carriers encumbered with the recovery of airplanes, he so disposed the ships of the screen and controlled their fire that not a single torpedo hit was registered by the attackers nor did any of the enemy planes which pressed in to the torpedo release point escape destruction. His courage, skill and inspiring example were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



