The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Louis E. Beard (NSN: 6306843), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Seaman First Class aboard a United States Carrier operating in the vicinity of Formosa Island on 21 January 1945. When the ship was hit during an enemy air attack, he reported to his repair party and was ordered to the gallery deck. On completion of this duty he returned to his station on the third deck to find that his repair party had left. He put on his rescue breather and entered several smoke-filled compartments to carry to safety six wounded and unconscious men. When he became so exhausted by his efforts that he was unable to carry a wounded man, he summoned help and continued to assist in the rescue of wounded and suffocating personnel. His courage and indomitable tenacity were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.