Garnet H. Eckardt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Garnet H. Eckardt, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class, U.S. Coast Guard (Reserve), for gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of a salvage boat crew attached to the U.S.S. CAVALIER (APA-37) while participating in assault landings against the enemy in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands on 9 January 1945. Facing intense enemy mortar fire, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Eckardt displayed exceptional courage, skill, initiative and devotion to duty while aiding in the salvage of numerous landing craft stranded on the beach. Disregarding his own safety and under continuous enemy fire, he unhesitatingly plunged into the water and assisted in the rescue of a man who had been hurled over board by the explosion of an enemy shell.