The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Earnest Goodrich Campbell (NSN: 0-72369), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, and outstanding performance of duty as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MAHAN (DD-364), in action against the enemy during important operations in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 7 December 1944. During the shore bombardment and fire support of our troops, his ship screened the assault area and performed fighter director duties in an excellent manner. Later, when attacked almost simultaneously by nine enemy bombers and fighters, all endeavoring to crash the MAHAN, Commander Campbell displayed the highest type of courage and leadership. In an outstanding feat of anti-aircraft gunnery, his ship brought down within approximately two minutes three enemy planes, and made hit son several others. Although crashed by three enemy planes, with fire mains gone and heavy fires forward, amidships and aft, valiant efforts were made to save the ship as magazines commenced to explode. This maneuver was carried out without panic or confusion. Commander Campbell’s conspicuous courage and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.