The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Roland Phillip Kauffman (NSN: 0-57634), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the performance of outstanding service as Executive Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during action on 25 November 1944. Immediately after the first hit he proceeded to the flight deck and aided the fire fighting activities, returning to the bridge with valuable information for the Commanding Officer. When he learned that the Fire Marshall and other key officers were among the casualties as a result of a second hit, he proceeded to the scene of the fire on the Hangar Deck and amidst dense smoke and exploding ammunition, with utter disregard of the imminent danger, supervised and directed the re-organization of fire fighting parties over a period of several hours. His inspiring and resourceful leadership served to coordinate their activities in successfully extinguishing the fires and preventing a more serious disaster. His courage, devotion to duty and outstanding leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.