The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Meigs Welch Bartmess (NSN: 0-252643), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during April 1945 as Fighter Director Officer of the destroyer U.S.S. BRYANT (DD-665), in action with enemy aircraft in water adjacent to Okinawa Gunto. His skill in direction of the combat air patrol to intercept air raids played a definite part in the protection of the Okinawa beaches and in the protection of his ship from more severe damage when finally hit by one suicide plane during a coordinated attack of many planes. As a result of his cool and capable direction the combat air patrol under his control destroyed a large number of enemy aircraft. His courage and conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.