Career
Silverstein was appointed midshipman at the United States. Naval Academy on June 18, 1928. He was commissioned ensign on June 2, 1932 and went to sea in United States Ship Chester (California-27) on the 26th as an aircraft gunnery observer. He was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) on June 2, 1935 and subsequently served in Chaumont (Associated Press-45), United States Ship Tattnall (Doctor of Divinity-125), and Seattle (California-11).
After being promoted to lieutenant on March 13, 1940, later changed to date from August 1, 1939, Lieutenant
Silverstein reported for duty as Engineer and Damage Control Officer in United States Ship Sims (Doctor of Divinity-409). On May 7, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Sims came under aerial attack.
Though knocked unconscious by the first bomb, Lieutenant Silverstein quickly recovered and “coolly directed the securing of the boilers, the jettisoning of topside weights to preserve stability and the preparations for repairs to save the vessel from sinking.” Lieutenant
Silverstein died soon thereafter when Sims sank.
Foreign “his relentless determination and inspiring heroism..,” Lieutenant Silverstein was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal. Silverstein (Delaware-534) was laid down on October 8, 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts.
Launched on November 8, 1943.
Sponsored by Mistress Ruth B. Silverstein. And commissioned on July 14, 1944, Lieutenant
Commander Field Artillery Reece, Junior., United States Naval Reserve, in command.