The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Shipfitter First Class Lewis Given Berry (NSN: 2505887), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action when a Japanese plane and its bomb struck the U.S.S. MARYLAND (BB-046) on 29 November 1944, in Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands. Although only partially recovered from an operation and still a patient in the sick bay, and having been knocked unconscious by the explosion, upon recovering consciousness and finding that the hospital Corpsman had been killed, he exerted a calming influence upon the hysterical patients entrapped in the demolished sick bay. Since the escape route was barred by fire he wrapped them in wet blankets and was then himself overcome by smoke. His conduct helped save the lives of the majority of these patients and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.