The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Robert L. Biele (NSN: 8551508), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while engaged in operations against the enemy. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Biele was a member of the crew of Motor Torpedo Boat FIVE HUNDRED THREE (PT-503), which encountered a German minesweeper while on patrol on 9 August 1944, off the Isle of Jersey. A gun battle followed and the gun to which Gunner’s Mate Third Class Biele was assigned as first loader opened fire and placed a large number of rounds into the hull of the enemy ship. During the course of this opening phase, the trainer of the gun was killed by a direct hit. As the trainer dropped to the deck, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Biele, in the face of intense fire, assumed the trainer’s seat, repaired the gun which had been jammed, and opened fire again. This courageous act and calm presence of mind on Gunner’s Mate Third Class Biel’s part resulted in several more hits on the enemy and permitted the PT-503 to withdraw from point blank range of the enemy. Later in the action a survey disclosed that enemy fire had killed one engineer and badly wounded the two remaining engineers. Further, two direct hits, one in the engine which set an oil line afire and the other on the smoke screen generator, had filled the engine room with smoke. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and with concern only for the safety of the ship, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Biele, although his mobility was limited due to a shrapnel wound in the left leg, put on a chemical gas mask, went below and operated the engines. In doing this he exposed himself to highly volatile gasoline which was rising rapidly in the engine room bilges and to the corrosive smoke which was being emitted from the smoke generator. The initiative and unfailing devotion to duty displayed by Gunner’s Mate Third Class Biele on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.