The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Charles Franklin Braught (NSN: 0-70409), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. CROUTER (DE-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa from 17 April to 8 May 1945. Although his ship was repeatedly attacked by hostile bombing, torpedo and suicide planes, Lieutenant Commander Braught skillfully directed his crew in repelling these attacks with no damage or personnel casualties and, in addition, succeeded in inflicting severe losses on the enemy. His leadership, determined fighting spirit and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.