The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Ronald Joseph Woodaman (NSN: 0-70047), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THOMAS E> FRASER (DD-736), and as Officer in Tactical Command of a Screening Station, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on the night of 24 – 25 May 1945. Cool and courageous in the face of a prolonged enemy air attack of more than ten hours, Commander Woodaman skillfully fought his ship in destroying one of the hostile aircraft and probably another and, by his sound judgment and prompt action under fire, aided immeasurably in averting this attack without casualty to any of the ships on his station. His unfaltering leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.