The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Lamar C. Palmer, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Armed Guard aboard a merchant vessel prior to and during the torpedoing of that vessel by enemy forces during World War II. Blacked out and zigzagging in a choppy sea with poor visibility prevailing, the vessel withstood a prolonged attack. Under such hazardous and adverse conditions, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Palmer and the other members of the Armed Guard, coolly and accurately countered enemy fire almost without rest, accounting for the destruction of two enemy planes. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Palmer’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.