The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman First Class Deward Clark Bass (NSN: 9676236), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy off the coast of Okinawa, Nansei Shoto, 11 May 1945, as a member of the crew of an air defense gun on the U.S.S. HUGH W. HADLEY (DD-774). When the blast of a bomb had caused Seaman First Class Bass and other members of the crew to be blown a considerable distance from their gun, Seaman First Class Bass re-manned his station and with outstanding courage and coolness, resumed fire at an enemy plane diving at him and repeatedly hit the enemy plane whose crash finally resulted in his death. His courage, conduct and outstanding performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.