The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Morton E. Wolfson, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the United States Armed Guard crew aboard a merchant vessel during attacks by enemy German forces in alien waters during World War II. During a mass attack, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wolfson’s crew shot down one attacking plane in flames and seriously damaged another. The next day, after 28 hours at quarters, his crew set one enemy plane afire and sent another crashing ablaze into the sea. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wolfson’s gallant leadership and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.