The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Robert Byron Ricks, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Navy Armed Guard aboard a merchant vessel during action against enemy forces in alien waters on 2 May 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ricks Armed Guard crew stood by their battle stations for two consecutive days and nights without sleep or rest and effectively repelled persistent raids upon the convoy, under his alter vigilance. By his efficient leadership and his intensive training of the Armed Guard and the ship’s crew under adverse conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ricks enabled his ship to survive a series of perilous encounters and reach her port of destination with an important war cargo. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.