The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Royal Lawrence Rutter (NSN: 0-63107), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of a United States Submarine on War Patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. He skillfully and courageously attacked and damaged 23,000 tons of enemy shipping and performed an assigned mission under extremely adverse conditions. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.