The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Crawford Zahm, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, and extraordinary devotion to duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WALKE (DD-416) against the enemy during the approach, landing and assault on the continent of Europe by the Allied Expeditionary Force between the dates of 3 June 1944 and 24 June 1944. Commander Zahm, in the U.S.S. WALKE, was the Escort Commander of a large and vital convoy of combat loaded landing craft, which he escorted safely and expeditiously through heavily mined waters under constant threat of enemy air, surface and submarine attack. During the assault and support period, the U.S.S. WALKE rendered outstanding service in screening heavy combatant ships, transports and other craft in the assault area against enemy submarine and surface threats, and against daily enemy air attacks with bombs and mines. During the entire operation, Commander Zahm handled his ship with conspicuous skill and daring, and gave an outstanding example of courage and tireless devotion to duty, with complete disregard of his own safety. With gallant action and initiative, he opposed every enemy attack or threat in a manner that upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and contributed to the accomplishment of the mission.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain John Crawford Zahm, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action on the night of 2 – 3 December 1944. At this time as Commander of a group of three destroyers he conducted a highly successful raiding sweep of enemy shipping, shore installations and concentrations in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands. The operation was executed in confined enemy waters under continual and aggressive air attack and fire from enemy positions. By his daring courage and cool direction of the operation of the destroyers under his command he pressed home the attack, inflicting substantial damage on the enemy. His vessels destroyed shipping and planes, and thwarted attempts of the enemy to reinforce his hard-pressed ground troops. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.