The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Adolph Henry Gatzke, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while aiding in handling lines and fighting a raging fire on the flight deck of the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8) during aerial bombardment by enemy planes in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Despite severe burns on his hands, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Gatzke refused to submit to medical treatment and carried on until the flames had been completely extinguished. 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.