The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Arthur Owen Garrett, United States Coast Guard (Reserve), for gallantry and intrepidity in action in October 1944 as a member of an assault unit participating in the landing in Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands. In the face of enemy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire Ensign Garrett bravely prepared the way for the operations of combat troops contributing greatly to the success of this mission.