The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Eraste Boudreaux (NSN: 0-106790), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as pilot of a Torpedo Bomber embarked in the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in the successful aerial attack against Japanese naval forces on 26 October 1942, near Santa Cruz Islands. In the face of extremely heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Boudreaux, with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, boldly pressed home his bombing attack on a Japanese heavy cruiser. His courageous action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.