The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Walter Trbovich, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Gun Captain of a 40-mm. Mount on board the U.S.S. BENNION (DD-662), in action against enemy Japanese forces, in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 12 April 1945. Although wounded when his ship was damaged by a savage Japanese suicide attack, Trbovich rendered first aid to the more seriously wounded and re-manning his gun with reliefs, continued to defend his ship. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.