The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ralph L. Richards, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of a PT-Boat in action against Japanese forces near Savo Island on 1 – 2 February 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Richards ordered his crew to abandon ship after it was bombed, strafed and set afire during the night by enemy aircraft. Although wounded by shrapnel, he attempted to save a seriously wounded man who was strapped to his back, and fought off repeated attacks of sharks with his hands, feet and pistol. The injured man finally died and was cut lose, but Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richards continued to battle sharks the remainder of the night until rescued by a searching PT-Boat. 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.