The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Kenneth Earl Starrett, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of the crew of the U.S.S. MARATHON (APA-200), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 22 July 1945. When his ship was hit by an enemy torpedo, causing rapid flooding and a severe list, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Starrett braved the relentless rising of oil and water in a severely damaged lower deck living compartment to assist in the rescue of trapped and injured men and, despite floating debris, insecure footing and the seemingly imminent danger that the vessel would capsize, persisted in his efforts to save lives until the compartment was no longer accessible. By his heroic concern for the welfare of others, he was instrumental in saving the lives of seven of his shipmates, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.