The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Joseph Henry Nevins, Jr. (NSN: 0-59475), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ERBEN (DD-631), during the occupation of enemy Japanese-held Gilbert Islands, 18 – 26 November, and in offensive action against the Marshall Islands on 4 December 1943. Courageous and aggressive in the face of severe enemy aerial torpedo attacks while operating within bombing range of Japanese bases, Commander Nevins fought his ship boldly throughout the prolonged siege of the Gilberts by his Task Force. Rendering valiant service in defense of the entire Task Group during a subsequent attack on the Marshall Islands, the ERBEN withstood continuous hostile night attack for a period of over seven hours, fiercely countering the fire of Japanese torpedo planes and retiring from the engagement undamaged. The inspiring leadership of Commander Nevins and the gallant devotion to duty of the officers and men under his command were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.