The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Storekeeper Henry R. Beausoleil (NSN: 5730062), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. SKILL (AM-115) during an attack by an enemy submarine off the Gulf of Salerno, Italy, on 25 September 1943. When the U.S.S. SKILL was torpedoed by an enemy submarine, Storekeeper Beausoleil was stationed in the bow of the ship as a lookout for mines. The force of the initial explosion threw him overboard but despite the raging fires which had broken out on board the stricken ship, he promptly and fearlessly returned to assist in the rescue of those who remained. With complete disregard for his own safety, he entered the flaming forward engine room and recovered several men who had been critically injured and helped them to abandon ship. His valiant and persistent efforts to save others were continued until just before the ship capsized and sank and contributed materially to the probable saving of many lives. The exceptional courage, prompt and decisive action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Storekeeper Beausoleil were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.