The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Harry E. Gerhard, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing SEVEN, embarked in U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62), on 20 September 1965. As strike leader, Commander Gerhard directed a highly successful bombing attack against an important railroad bridge in North Vietnam. During the approach to the target area, while under heavy fire from surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft guns and automatic weapons, and while threatened by enemy fighter opposition, he ordered the strike group to hold near the target while he proceeded to the target and initiated the attack with air-to-ground missiles. In the face of the intense opposition, he then positioned himself directly over the target area in order to coordinate the attack, remaining in this vulnerable position to direct the aircraft until the bridge was inoperable. When another pilot was forced to eject over enemy territory upon retirement from the target, Commander Gerhard remained in the area until he was assured that rescue was imminent. By his daring actions and devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.