The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Gerald W. Ward, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the Second Marine Raider Battalion, on 1 November 1943. Landing with the Raider Battalion on Puruata Island, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Ward went among the wounded administering first aid when the intensity of fire made it impossible to carry the wounded to his first aid station. His devotion to duty contributed to the saving of three lives. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.