The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander William Veazie Pratt, II (NSN: 0-72436), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYSON (DD-435), assigned as a screening vessel to a Task Group protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged ships, under tow, from enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By outstanding seamanship, his ship performed missions of rescue, transferred personnel under adverse conditions of wind and sea and under enemy air attack. The excellent performance of his ship when in the screen contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the salvage mission. His courage, leadership and skill were at all times an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.