The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Kenneth Francis Beckman (NSN: 0-97997), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in the line of his profession as Diving Officer in the U.S.S. PLUNGER (SS-179), during four highly successful war patrols in enemy controlled waters. During a series of severe depth charge attacks which followed immediately after a successful attack against an enemy destroyer, his calmness and skill in maintaining excellent trim and depth control made it possible for the Commanding Officer to successfully evade the attacking destroyers and bring his boat through with only minor damage. His conduct throughout these four patrols was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.