The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Joyce Gilligan, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving on board the U.S.S. RODMAN (DD-456), in action against the Japanese when an overwhelming number of suicide planes attacked his ship off Okinawa, on 6 April 1945. In complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Gilligan entered an ammunition room of his minesweeper and supervised the removal of ready service ammunition as well as actually handling it himself, while fires were burning in the immediate vicinity and despite the fact that one projectile had already exploded. Upon completion of removing the ammunition, he took station aft and directed the operation of the only guns remaining to fight in such an efficient manner as to repel repeated attacks by aircraft on the vessel. His outstanding bravery and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.