The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Price Berrien (NSN: 0-150606), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of an air liaison party during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily in July 1943. Lieutenant Berrien, having disembarked, was proceeding with his crew toward the beach exit when they were stopped by enemy machine gun fire which held up the advance of the ground forces and also wounded the crew of a grounded landing craft which was lying about 20 yards off shore. With complete disregard for his own safety, he waded to the grounded boat and brought the wounded crew members to safety. With two soldiers he then returned and carried the boat’s two machine guns ashore and, with great coolness and intrepidity, and skill, overcame the local enemy resistance, thereby enabling the troops in the vicinity to continue their advance. The exceptional coolness, fearless leadership under enemy fire, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Berrien were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.