The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William A. Laurie, Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, 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. Lieutenant Laurie directed gunfire of such accuracy and intensity against the hostile vessel that her crew was unable to man its armament successfully, 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.