The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Commander Gordon Eugene Schecter (NSN: 0-74846), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of a Carrier Air Group in the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30). On 16 February 1945, he led his group in a coordinated attack against a vital enemy aircraft plant north of Tokyo. Despite adverse weather conditions and intense anti-aircraft fire his group caused heavy damage to the installations. On retirement from the target his group was viciously attacked by an overwhelming number of enemy fighter planes and a furious air battle ensured. During the course of this battle fighter and torpedo planes of his group destroyed at least twelve enemy planes without loss of a single plane. His courageous and unfaltering leadership and professional skill were an inspiration to each member of his group and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.