The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Wells Thompson (NSN: 0-62126), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. La VALLETTE (DD-448), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the bombardment of Mariveles Harbor, Southern Bataan and Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 14 February 1945. Rendering close support to minesweepers at the entrance to the harbor, Captain Thompson directed his ship’s gunfire in silencing troublesome hostile batteries on Corregidor. When his ship was severely damaged by an enemy mine, he succeeded in controlling the flooding and in extricating the vessel under her own power from a highly dangerous position. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.