The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Milton Ray Black (NSN: 5525622), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during the amphibious landing on Wakde Island, Dutch New Guinea, on 17 May 1944. When his gun jammed after firing three hundred rounds at enemy beach defenses, although his ship was less than 1,000 yards from the beach and under vigorous enemy fire, he coolly and skillfully proceeded to clean the gun so that it would again become operative. At this time, a burst from an enemy machine gun wounded him in the back and knocked him down. He immediately returned to his work and proceeded in placing the gun back in operation and although still under enemy fire, he then proceeded to strafe the enemy beach defenses. His courage and determination throughout this action was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.