The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Lorain Ward Berkey (NSN: 0-347578), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane of Air Group TWENTY-THREE in an engagement with enemy Fleet units off the coast of Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Despite unfavorable flying weather and intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home a bombing and strafing attack on an enemy destroyer, damaging it and contributing materially to the success of the operation in that this vessel was observed to leave its screening position around a damaged cruiser and was subsequently sunk by torpedo planes of his own group. His courageous conduct throughout this mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.