The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Crawford Zahm, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, and extraordinary devotion to duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WALKE (DD-416) against the enemy during the approach, landing and assault on the continent of Europe by the Allied Expeditionary Force between the dates of 3 June 1944 and 24 June 1944. Commander Zahm, in the U.S.S. WALKE, was the Escort Commander of a large and vital convoy of combat loaded landing craft, which he escorted safely and expeditiously through heavily mined waters under constant threat of enemy air, surface and submarine attack. During the assault and support period, the U.S.S. WALKE rendered outstanding service in screening heavy combatant ships, transports and other craft in the assault area against enemy submarine and surface threats, and against daily enemy air attacks with bombs and mines. During the entire operation, Commander Zahm handled his ship with conspicuous skill and daring, and gave an outstanding example of courage and tireless devotion to duty, with complete disregard of his own safety. With gallant action and initiative, he opposed every enemy attack or threat in a manner that upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and contributed to the accomplishment of the mission.