The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Robert Francis Falardeau (NSN: 0-389556), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Group Control Officer of the after twenty millimeter battery on board the U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793), during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa on 12 April 1945. The guns under his control assisted in the destruction of two planes. They assisted in repelling further attacks after one bomber was shot down within fifty feet of his battery, spraying it with gasoline, water and debris, and a second had exploded forward of his battery, momentarily enveloping it in flames. While under attack he had one defective gun broken down and a new one put in operation to take part in repulsing the final attack. His courage and disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.