The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Edward K. Johnakin, United States Navy, for gallantry in action during the invasion of Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Johnakin directed and assisted in taking his unit’s equipment ashore, then returned to his ship with a rubber boat and moved a number of burned soldiers ashore by having them cling to the boat as it was towed ashore under enemy fire. Later he led a volunteer group which returned to the abandoned landing ship and recovered the balance of his unit’s equipment and gear. 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.