The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Peter Gabriel Molteni, Jr. (NSN: 0-78760), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. S-42 (SS-153), during that Submarine’s FIRST War Patrol in the enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific Area, from 26 April to 26 May 1942. Exercising unusual skill and judgment, Commander Molteni performed his essential duties with cool determination and consistent accuracy and, by his precise control of depth, rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in the conduct of a brilliantly-planned attack against a large Japanese warship which resulted in the sinking of the hostile vessel. Subsequently aiding in the evasion of strong Japanese countermeasures, Commander Molteni contributed materially to the successful outcome of an extremely difficult and dangerous assignment, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.