The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade S. B. Bradley (NSN: 0-116787), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Fighting Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VF-34), on the night of 15 January 1944. At this time he was in command of one of four Catalinas making a concerted attack on a Rabaul-bound convoy in the Bismarck Sea. During his attack upon a large vessel of the convoy his plane was the target of heavy anti-aircraft fire from the target vessel and the two flanking escorts, one of which appeared to be a cruiser. The vessel was struck amidships by his bombs and exploded. His attack resulted in the sinking of a large and valuable enemy freighter-transport. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.