The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander John Sterett Crittenden Gabbert (NSN: 0-74841), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as the Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BELL (DD-587), assigned as a screening vessel to a Task Group protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged ships, under tow, from enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By outstanding seamanship, his ship performed missions of rescue, transferred personnel under adverse conditions of wind and sea and under enemy air attack. The excellent performance of his ship when in the screen contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the salvage mission. His courage, leadership and skill were at all times an inspiration to his men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.