The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

LIEUTENANT RAY FRANCIS GITHENS

UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer during the advanced landings in the Anzio-Nettuno Area, Italy, in January and February, 1944.. Landing with the assault troops and establishing himself with a divisional field artillery unit to coordinate the employment of Naval gunfire in support of the ground forces, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Githens moved constantly to forward observation posts to control the Naval gunfire delivered against enemy tanks, troop concentrations and strong points, directing this fire where vitally needed to overcome strong enemy resistance and to hold the Anzio beachhead against all enemy counter attacks. His exceptional dedication to duty were in keeping with highest expectations of the United States Naval Service.

Signed for the President by James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy

Ray Githens (1918)