The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Emil Saroch, Jr. (NSN: 0-389972), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in April and May 1945, as the Commanding Officer of the Fire Support Ship U.S.S. LCS(L)-119, during the assault on Okinawa. On 1 April 1945, he demonstrated outstanding courage and seamanship by bringing his ship alongside a burning and abandoned vessel and successfully extinguished the blaze and saved the ship. On 1 May 1945, when his ship was attacked by three enemy suicide planes, he caused his guns to destroy two of the attacking aircraft and drive off the third. When on 28 May 1945, his ship was struck by a bomb-laden enemy plane, resulting in raging fires and serious damage, he with coolness and bravery, ably directed the control of damage. Noting that a wounded man was trapped, he proceeded through a flaming area, extricated the man and carried him to safety. Through his profound devotion to duty, he proved to be an inspiration to the officers and men under his command. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.