The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lewis John Behrend (NSN: 0-251372), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while participating in an aerial flight as plot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane on 21 March 1945 in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands. As a member of a Combat Air Patrol of eight planes protecting the Task Force, he attacked a large formation of enemy planes, shooting down two twin engine bombers and one fighter, and with his wingman shooting down another twin engine bomber in a single flight. By his action, he materially assisted in turning back the enemy attack before it could reach the ships of the Task Force he was protecting. Although the enemy plane formation greatly outnumbered the patrol of which he was a member, he pressed home his attack with the greatest determination without regard for his own safety. His courage, determination, and devotion to duty in this flight were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.