The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Bernard Henry Meyer (NSN: 0-72268), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ERICSSON (DD-440), in action against enemy forces during the amphibious invasion of Southern France from 15 to 25 August 1944. Assigned to screen capital gunfire support ships in the Saint Mandrier-Ciens Area, Commander Meyer repeatedly interposed his ship between the larger vessels and the accurate fire from hostile shore artillery to lay protective smoke screens around the heavier bombardment units and, delivering effective fire on the enemy installations, aided directly in reducing the hostile defenses commanding the port of Tulon. By his professional skill, courage and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of Allied forces in the Area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.