The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Leo C. LaChambre, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as gunner of a landing boat at Salerno in September 1943. Seaman First Class LaChambre manned his post throughout a vicious strafing attack by an enemy plane while his boat was retracting during the initial assault and destroyed the aircraft. 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.