The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Raymond Lee Bly, Jr. (NSN: 0-167845), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as First Lieutenant and Damage Control Officer while under fire by Japanese shore batteries on 18 May 1945, aboard the U.S.S. LONGSHAW (DD-559). After many shells had hit this vessel and resulted in the explosion of the forward magazines, and total destruction of the forward areas of the ship, with utter disregard for his personal safety he made his way into fire and smoke filled compartments; rescuing personnel trapped in them, aided many wounded men in getting off the ship and supplied them with empty powder tanks to keep them afloat; organized fire fighting parties as best possible considering the lack of equipment, and remained on board after the word had been passed to abandon ship, as he felt that possibly there were men who were injured and still had not been located, remained on board for an hour searching areas that were afire and continually a hazard from ammunition that was exploding and did not leave the ship until he was certain that no one alive remained on board. His loyalty and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.