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 J. Washer, 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 Washer, acting as gunlayer, coolly and skillfully maintained effective fire through open sights after enemy fire had shattered his gun sights, 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.