The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant John F. String, Jr., United States Coast Guard (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PC-545 off Anzio, Italy on 18 March 1944. When an enemy motor torpedo boat was sighted at night, Lieutenant String immediately ordered the attack. With an expert display of seaman ship, he so skillfully maneuvered the ship that the first shots scored hits on the enemy craft before it was able to maneuver into position to effectively use its torpedoes and the resulting fire caused it to disintegrate in an explosion. This successful action against the enemy contributed materially to the protection of shipping in the Anzio area and to the successful maintenance of forces ashore.