The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Manley Conroy Osborne (NSN: 0-85035), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Assistant Gunnery Officer in the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16) on 5 November 1944 in the vicinity of Luzon, Philippine Islands. He directed the fire of the after batteries from his battle station in Air Defense Aft and shot down an enemy plane attacking his ship. Immediately afterwards he brought fire to bear on another Japanese bomber apparently headed directly for his station and although many hits were registered which undoubtedly affected the enemy’s accuracy his ship was struck by the bomb and enemy plane, Although wounded, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he remained at his station in spite of exploding ammunition and fire, which forced all other personnel in the area, except his talker, to evacuate, and directed fire at another attacking plane, contributing greatly to shooting it down, and probably preventing a crash on another major warship. Following the action, he remained on station, directing battle repairs and reorganizing his gun crews, until ordered below for treatment. His courage and leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.