The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Raymond Bjorklund (NSN: 0-227118), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the U.S.S. LCT 19, at Salerno Bay, during the amphibious invasion of Italy, on 9 September 1943. As a result of a heavy bombing attack the U.S.S. LCT 19, loaded with a cargo of gasoline in tins, was hit by an enemy bomb which caused intense fires to immediately start throughout the ship. When the Commanding Officer of the ship could not be found, and was presumed to have been killed in action, Ensign Bjorklund, with great skill and courage, took over command of the ship and gave the order for the crew to abandon ship. Later, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he jumped overboard and swam to the rescue of a badly wounded soldier. The meritorious actions of this officer probably saved the lives of many men. The exceptional courage and fearless leadership under fire displayed by Ensign Bjorklund were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.