The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Gregory J. Azarigian (NSN: 0-272688), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on the day of 28 May 1944 in the Southwest Pacific. At this time he was Executive Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-EIGHT (PT-128). In broad daylight, with utter disregard for his own safety, and in the face of fire from enemy gun emplacements, which he first silenced by fire from his own boat, he swam ashore, towing a life raft, and rescued a Royal Australian Air Force Flight Officer who was himself too weak to swim out to the boat or to haul in a line shot to him by a line-throwing gun. His feat was a great inspiration to his men. His action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.