Battle of Kolombangara
Hayler then led "Honolulu" during the Battle of Kolombangara on July 12, 1943, when he participated in the intercepting of Japanese troop convoy. In the ensuing action, the Japanese sunk one Allied destroyer and damaged three cruisers. They were also able to successfully land 1,200 ground troops on the western coast of Kolombangara but lost one light cruiser sunk with all hands in the process. Hayler handled his ship with superb tactical skill, evading three of the hostile torpedoes and eventually, when his vessel was hit, he directed the control of damage with cool courage and outstanding ability and finally brought his ship safely into port. For his service at Kolombangara, he was decorated with Silver Star.