The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Torpedoman Second Class Richard Henry Bradford (NSN: 8262602), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 18 December 1944 while serving as a member of the crew of Motor Torpedo Boat EIGHTY (PT-80). When a Japanese suicide plane struck PT-300 at Mangarin Bay, Mindoro, Philippine Islands, causing explosions which broke the boat in half, the PT-80 and other rescue craft were unable to approach within twenty-five yards of the flaming wreckage. With complete disregard for his own safety, he voluntarily entered the burning area in a light rubber life raft and rescued two men from the water. After he had taken them to the PT-80 and had himself returned on board, he saw two other men struggling in the wreckage. Without hesitation he plunged into the water, swam to them and succeeded in bringing the men out of the danger zone. His heroic conduct, performed in the face of great danger to himself, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.