The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Jacob Robert Pershing, United States Navy, for gallantry in action in carrying injured shipmates out of the blazing area and bringing them to a point on the flight deck of the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8) where medical treatment could be administered during an enemy aerial attack on the carrier in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.