The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class Louis John Veesenmeyer, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of the crew of No. Four 50-mm. Gun on board the U.S.S. Hugh W. Hadley (DD-774), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 11 May 1945. Blown a considerable distance from his mount by the blast of an enemy bomb, exploded during a prolonged and terrific Japanese aerial attack, Seaman Second Class Veesenmeyer instantly returned to his gun and aided his shipmates in resuming fire, sending up a steady stream of anti-aircraft shells against an enemy plane plunging toward him. Steadfast and courageous, he remained at his perilous station in the path of the onrushing Japanese suicide craft, riddling the hostile plane with repeated hits before it crashed into his mount, mortally wounding Seaman Second Class Veesenmeyer and his fellow crew members. His indomitable spirit, heroic conduct, and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of almost certain death were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.