The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Kenneth Francis Beckman (NSN: 0-97997), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Chief Engineer and Diving Officer of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242) during her FIRST War Patrol in enemy controlled waters, from 3 April 1944 to 1 June 1944. His efficient organization and training of the Engineering Department and his skill as Diving Officer contributed materially to making his ship an efficient fighting unit. His calmness and skill in maintaining excellent depth control made it possible for the Commanding Officer successfully to attack and sink armed enemy vessels and successfully evade the enemy anti-submarine attacks. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men of his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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.