The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Neale Roland Curtin (NSN: 0-62032), United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. GHERARDI (DD-637) during the amphibious assault on Normandy, France, and the bombardment of enemy defenses at Cherbourg, France, in June 1944. Commander Curtin maneuvered his ship through heavily mined waters and under heavy and accurately controlled gun-fire from enemy shore batteries. During the period of 6 June to 25 June 1944, his ship delivered accurate gun-fire on enemy fortifications and gun emplacements, screened heavy ships and protected them from enemy surface forces and submarines. The professional ability and devotion to duty exhibited by Commander Curtin on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.