Ensign Phil Hinkle Bucklew, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Scout Boat Officer in action against enemy forces during the amphibious assault on the Island of Sicily on 10 July 1943. Despite glaring searchlights and enemy gunfire, Ensign Bucklew accurately located the designated beach and properly directed the assault boat wave. Disregarding fire from shore batteries and machine guns which repeatedly struck his boat, he coolly and skillfully guided subsequent waves to the proper beach. Prior to the assault, with great resourcefulness and energy, he trained the scout boat crews for the entire attack force. The high state of training achieved contributed greatly to the successful performance of the scout boats during the landings. The outstanding courage, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Ensign Bucklew were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.