The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Donald W. Bagenstose (NSN: 0-228180), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 27 March 1944, Ensign Bagenstose was in command of two tank Lighters (LCM-3’s), Numbers BM-42 and BM-62, lying just off the Magine Islands where they had been assigned for duty. At approximately 1400 he received a signal from the Army position on the islands to proceed to the Marvavia area opposite the Magines to evacuate an Army patrol which had suffered casualties and was apparently surrounded by a superior force of Japanese. Ensign Bagenstose handled this entire operation exceptionally well. He had been warned by the Army, even before his first landing, that he would probably run into enemy fire. Certainly after that first landing, when he was almost the only naval man present who was not wounded, it took a high grade of courage to deliberately go back for more of it. 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.