The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign [then Chief Seaman] Edward W. Epps, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while attached to the U.S.S. SC-639 en route to Salerno, Italy, on 8 September 1943. Ensign Epps manned a 50-mm. gun during a surprise attack by ten enemy fighter-bombers and shot down one of the planes. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.