The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Horace Phillips McNeal (NSN: 0-123324), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), during the THIRTEENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 14 June to 27 July 1944. Maintaining a careful and precise control of depth throughout this patrol, Lieutenant Commander McNeal contributed materially to the success of his vessel in launching aggressive torpedo attacks against an enemy convoy of four ships escorted by two destroyers and despite severe enemy countermeasures, sinking every ship and escort, for a total of 35,100 tons. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.