The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Watertender Eino Karkkianen, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action when the U.S.S. BEATTY (DD-640), was sunk by enemy aircraft in the Central Mediterranean on 6 November 194, and the engineering and lower deck compartments flooded. Chief Watertender Karkkianen risked his life to lead a party of men into the forward fire room and worked for over an hour and a half in an attempt to raise steam and restore power. 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.