The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant John Wallace Gilpin (NSN: 0-100398), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. EVANS (DD-552), during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa on 11 May 1945. During an overwhelming Japanese suicide attack, in which his ship destroyed fifteen planes, assisted in the destruction of four more and had four planes crash aboard, he courageously remained in an exposed position of the bridge, amid flying shrapnel and in the face of diving suicide planes, despite the tremendous muzzle blast of a five inch gun a few feet away. His superb skill in detecting and designating enemy planes contributed greatly to the success of this engagement. When a suicide plane struck the after portion of the ship, he made his way to the damaged area to determine the effect upon the fighting efficiency of his ship. When two more suicide planes struck he was severely wounded and blown over the side. His inspiring courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.