The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman Third Class Robert E. Jansen, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as a crew member aboard the U.S.S. LST-379 during the assault on Sicily in July 1943. Seaman Third Class Jansen succeeded with his shipmates in checking the blaze which swept the ship when enemy bombs and bullets punctured gasoline tanks. They rushed firefighting apparatus to the scene with courageous disregard of their own danger from spreading flames. 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.