Bernard Edward Scanlan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Bernard Edward Scanlan, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Boat Group Commander during the amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, on 9 September 1943. Braving intense fire from enemy shore emplacements, Lieutenant Commander Scanlan marshaled and led the first and succeeding boat waves to the assigned assault beach, maintaining effective control of landings in spite of fierce enemy opposition. His brilliant leadership and tenacious devotion to duty contributed immeasurable to the success of our assault operations in a vital area.