The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jerome A. Rapp, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber attached to a United States Aircraft Carrier during the engagement with Japanese naval forces near Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade Rapp boldly pressed home his bombing attack on a Japanese heavy cruiser in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire. 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.