The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Frank Este Sellers, Jr. (NSN: 0-74834), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the performance of his duties as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THORNTON (DD-270), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Santa Cruz Islands vicinity from 17 to 21 July 1943. Promptly going to the aid of the badly damaged U.S.S. CHINCOTEAGUE, Lieutenant Commander Sellers daringly and skillfully placed his ship alongside the burning seaplane tender and offered timely assistance in fighting rapidly spreading fire and pumping water from flooded spaces. Despite imminent threat of bombardment by attacking Japanese planes and serious damage inflicted upon his own ship from pounding against the stricken vessel, he voluntarily remained alongside the helpless craft until his services were no longer required. Lieutenant Commander Sellers’ untiring devotion to duty and the superb efficiency of the men in his command contributed immeasurably to the saving of the tender and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.