The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Able Seaman A. Dalton, Royal New Zealand Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during an engagement by the HMNZA KIWI and HMNZS MOA with a Japanese submarine at Kamimbo, near Guadalcanal, on 29 and 30 January 1943. Able Seaman Dalton skillfully manned the forward Oerlikon gun during periods when his ship’s main gun was inoperative, assisting effectively in preventing the successful operation of the submarine’s 5-in guns, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of the enemy submarine. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.