The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign John Deaderick Scott (NSN: 0-700158/1105), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with the unprovoked and unexpected armed attack on U.S.S. LIBERTY (AGTR-5), in the Eastern Mediterranean, on 8 June 1967. During the early afternoon hours, U.S.S. LIBERTY, while engaged in peaceful operations in international waters, was attacked without warning by jet fighter aircraft and three motor torpedo boats. The LIBERTY was subjected to intense incendiary, machine gun, and rocket fire and was placed in extreme jeopardy by a torpedo hit below the waterline on the starboard side in the vicinity of the Research compartment. Severe structural damage and extensive personnel casualties were incurred. Ensign Scott, serving as Damage Control Assistant, was in Damage Control Central during the attack, coordinating the setting of material conditions, actions of fire parties and other damage control teams. He remained in Damage Control Central on the starboard side of the ship when notified to “Standby for torpedo attack starboard side.” Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety immediately following the torpedo attack, he courageously remained in his fume and smoke filled General Quarters station to direct and coordinate the emergency measures taken by the repair parties to extinguish fires, minimize and control flooding of spaces. He personally directed and supervised the emergency plugging and shoring of the ruptured deck in the compartment just aft of his General Quarters station immediately above where the torpedo had exploded. This prompt action prevented progressive flooding and spread of fuel oil on the second deck, thus preserving the water tight integrity of the ship’s second deck. His aggressiveness and coolness under fire was exceptional, and his leadership and initiative throughout the next few days on shoring and damage control was an inspiration to all personnel aboard. Ensign Scott’s initiative and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.