The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John W. Bernhardt (NSN: 0-96943), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as boat wave commander of a boat of the U.S.S. McKEAN (APD-5) on 7 August 1942, during the landing on Tulagi Island. These boats formed part of the first assault wave. He landed his embarked troops and then made repeated trips during the 7th, 8th and 9th, in spite of heavy enemy fire, to effect the landing of equipment, ammunition and supplies; and on 8 September 1942, he made a landing against a Japanese force at Taivu Point, Guadalcanal Island, thereby materially contributing to the successful operations in which the enemy were defeated. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.