The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Radioman Second Class William J. Ballough (NSN: 5517268), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action with the enemy by volunteering to save personnel who had been blown over the side from a carrier. On 7 April 1945, while operating with a task force, the task force was attacked by Japanese aircraft, which crashed on deck, resulting in a number of men being blown over the side, both injured and uninjured. Without regard for his own safety and knowing the danger from his own ship’s propellers and that the force was still under attack, he repeatedly went into the water and brought men to the ship’s side where they were brought aboard. His ship was actually engaged with enemy aircraft during this period and was forced to maneuver to clear the damaged carrier and engage the enemy. He was left in the water when his ship was forced to leave the area. He promptly swam to a group of survivors and rendered assistance to two injured men and was later picked up by another rescue destroyer. His courage and disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.