The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Ensign] Raymond Chester McGrath (NSN: 0-123435), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Turret Officer for the Main Battery of the U.S.S. ASTORIA (CA-34), in action against enemy Japanese forces during operations in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Air Battle of Midway and the First Battle of Savo. Cool and courageous in the face of severe enemy shell fire, Lieutenant Commander McGrath remained steadfast at his post to service his guns and, when all communications were lost, continued the fire from his turret by using local control. By his persistence, courage and skill, he contributed materially to repelling the enemy, and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.