The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Shipfitter Third Class Louis J. Ashe, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the U.S.S. ENDICOTT (DMS-35), during the amphibious invasion of Southern France on the night of 16 – 17 August 1944. When in the course of an engagement with two German corvettes the U.S.S. ENDICOT sustained a hit from an enemy medium caliber shell which pierced the ship’s hull at the waterline, Shipfitter Third Class Ashe, as a member of a repair party, coolly and courageously assisted in plugging the hole and in extinguishing several small fires which had broken out in the compartment. He then discovered the projectile, which had not exploded, lying on the deck of the compartment, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, carried it topside and safely disposed of it overboard, thus preventing possible serious damage to the ship. The exceptional courage, prompt and decisive action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Shipfitter Third Class Ashe were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.