The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Jack W. Agnew, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On the night of 23 December 1943, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Agnew was gunner aboard the Patrol Boat ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN (PT-137) which was attacked by a Japanese heavy bomber and was simultaneously taken under severe shore fire off the south coast of New Britain. Although thrown to the deck by concussion and painfully wounded about the head by shrapnel from a bomb which hit close aboard, he refused to accept relief. His action in returning to man his gun and continue fire throughout the action is conspicuously gallant. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Agnew’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.