The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Coxswain Arthur L. Farmer, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the crew of the Armed Guard aboard a merchant vessel during the torpedoing and sinking of that vessel by enemy forces during World war II. Courageously manning his gun during persistent raids which swept down upon the convoy, Coxswain Farmer contributed to the withering hail of fire which disrupted 14 low-flying bombers and shot two down in flames. Coxswain Farmer’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.