The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Louis D. Marks, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the Armed Guard aboard a merchant vessel during aerial attacks upon that vessel by enemy forces during World War II. Assisting in the frustration of large-scale raids upon the convoy, the blazing guns of the merchant vessel, under the alert direction of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marks, damaged one enemy torpedo bomber and sent another crashing into the sea. By his courageous conduct and unfailing presence of mind, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marks contributed to the aggressive fighting spirit which enabled his crew to maintain timely and effective fire against overwhelming odds and to abandon the stricken vessel without personal injury or loss of life. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marks actions, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.