The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lawrence A. Beck (NSN: 0-140226), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Officer-of-the-Deck of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-238), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in waters the control of which is now being contested, from 10 January 1944 to 4 March 1944. His great skill and courage in carrying out his duties in a cool and efficient manner, despite heavy and accurate enemy gunfire, assisted his Commanding Officer materially in conducting highly aggressive and successful torpedo attacks, which resulted in the sinking of three enemy freighters totaling 16,971 tons and damaging two additional freighters totaling 9,097 tons. His devotion to duty and excellent judgment during the periods of extremely severe enemy countermeasures, which included enemy gunfire, greatly assisted his ship in conducting successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.