(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Gunner’s Mate First Class William L. Lehtonen, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy as Petty Officer-in-Charge of 20-mm. guns aboard the U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), acting as a picket ship off Okinawa, on 16 April 1945. 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.