The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Walter Jones Whipple (NSN: 0-60551), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. DENVER (CL-58), operating as part of a Task Force engaged in a bombardment mission against enemy Japanese airfields and shore installations in the Vila-Stanhope Area of Kolombangara, Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. With his officers and men at general quarters while proceeding through restricted waters of Kula Gulf en route to the assigned target area, Captain Whipple rendered valiant service in a coordinated attack by his Task Group against two Japanese destroyers. Expertly directing the activities of his command from his exposed station, he contributed essentially to the sinking of both hostile vessels and to the infliction of extensive and costly damage inflicted on the enemy during the subsequent bombardment of airfields and installations on this heavily fortified stronghold. His forceful leadership, outstanding professional skill and cool courage maintained in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Captain Whipple and the United States Naval Service.