The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Quartermaster Third Class Gilbert Person Abbott (NSN: 8304239), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Quartermaster aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When his ship was hit in an enemy air attack, a series of violent explosions from ready bombs, rockets, and ammunition ensued which trapped numerous personnel below decks. One such group was in the steering engine room on the fifth deck, aft. With great courage and disregard for personal safety, he made his way through many compartments flooded with water and filled with dense smoke and after repeated efforts over a period of several hours succeeded in rescuing the trapped man. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.