The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Shipfitter Third Class Kenneth Sheridan Akerstrom (NSN: 4106718), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of a repair party aboard the U.S.S. BUTLER (DD-636), when his ship was seriously damaged by enemy action at Okinawa Gunto on 25 May 1945. Immediately upon being hit he rushed to a fuel flooding magazine making all watertight closures around him in complete disregard of his personal safety. With weakened bulkheads of flood compartments around and over him in danger of collapse, he worked tirelessly and with conspicuous courage to plug holes, make an efficient pumping arrangement and establish a flooding boundary. As a result of his work, pumps were able to keep ahead of the flooding and the ship’s stability maintained. He worked with high efficiency for over 36 hours without rest, and his coolness encouraged all those near him to their utmost. His personal courage, determination and outstanding efficiency throughout repeated attacks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.