The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Thomas Bernard Fern, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Ammunition Passer on a 40-mm. mount on board the U.S.S. LAFFEY, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Okinawa Area, on 16 April 1945. When his ship was struck and set on fire by enemy aircraft while on radar picket duty, Petty Officer Fern efficiently performed his duties, thereby contributing to the destruction of an enemy plane shot down by his mount. After his gun was put out of action, he exposed himself to exploding ammunition and dangerous fires in fighting to save the ship until he was blinded by smoke and flash burns from two hits in his vicinity, and had to be led away for medical attention. His gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.