The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Dennis Gilbert Morral, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against Iraq while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. NICHOLAS (FFG-47) from 17 January 1991 to 7 February 1991. While operating in the extreme northern Arabian Gulf in direct support of Operation DESERT STORM, Commander Morral displayed extraordinary and aggressive fighting spirit and leadership. On 18 January 1991, operating well forward of the main body, he discovered Iraqi forward observers positioned on platforms in the Durrah oil field. Commander Morral reported their presence, conceived a plan to eliminate them, and once approved by higher authority, flawlessly executed the plan without outside support. Skillfully employing his multi-national forces in the first surface action of the war, Commander Morral systematically cleared the oil field platforms of the enemy. Capturing eighteen enemy prisoners of war, he provided coalition forces their first insight into conditions among Iraqi forces. Continuing to operate NICHOLAS boldly in harm’s way, Commander Morral provided escort for U.S.S. MISSOURI (BB-63) and U.S.S. WISCONSIN (BB-64) during Khafji naval gunfire support operations. The ship received battle damage during this operation and remained on station providing anti-air warfare and mine surveillance protection for the Battleships. Operating throughout the period at the extremes of the Battle Force anti-air warfare envelope and in constant danger from mines and anti-surface missiles, Commander Morral maintained NICHOLAS at the highest state of combat readiness and morale. His sound tactical decisions were based on incisive risk assessment which resulted in no casualties to personnel under his command. Commander Morral’s courageous actions, aggressive fighting spirit, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.