Thomas B. Fern

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas B. Fern, Seaman First Class, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Ammunition Passer on a 40-m mount on board the U.S.S. LAFFEY, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Okinawa Area on April 16, 1945. When his ship was struck and set on fire by enemy aircraft while on radar picket duty, FERN efficiently performed his duties, thereby contributing to the destruction of an enemy plane shot down by his mount. After his gun was put out of action, he exposed himself to exploding ammunition and dangerous fires in fighting to save the ship until he was blinded by smoke and flash burns from two hits in his vicinity and had to be led away for medical attention. His gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.