The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Jerold D. Dever, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as a member of the boat crew of the sixth wave which landed in Normandy, France, in the face of heavy fire from enemy machine guns and light cannon, on 6 June 1944. When a large percentage of disembarked troops were either killed or wounded, Seaman First Class Dever waded through knee-deep water and single-handedly carried seven wounded soldiers into his boat. 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.