The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Andrew J. Beahm (NSN: 3800006), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the U.S.S. MURPHY (DD-603) during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, from 8 November 1942 to 11 November 1942. On 8 November 1942, the after engine room of the U.S.S. MURPHY of which Chief Beahm was in charge was struck by a shell from a hostile shore battery. Although so seriously wounded in several places as to make any movement difficult and extremely painful, he remained at his station and directed the removal of those less seriously wounded than he. He personally supervised the securing of all machinery practicable, despite the difficulties created by the fire, smoke, fumes, and escaping steam. When his station became untenable due to heat, he gave the order to abandon the engine room and made every effort to insure that all who could do so made good their escape. His courage, perseverance, and outstanding devotion to duty in the action described above reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.