The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Webb Babcock (NSN: 331619), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 27 May 1945, while serving as Communications Officer aboard a United States ship during the amphibious assault and capture of Okinawa. When a destroyer operating near his ship’s station was struck and badly damaged by two enemy suicide planes, many of the crew were wounded and blown overboard. Upon his arrival on the scene, Lieutenant Babcock voluntarily and with complete disregard of personal danger from the damaged ship which was circling at a high speed out of control through the area, he dove overboard and swam with life jackets to several severely wounded men who were struggling to keep afloat and shouting for assistance. The prompt and courageous action of Lieutenant Babcock resulted in saving several lives and contributed to the success of this amphibious operation. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.