The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John McManus (MCSN: 0-27337), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of a six-plane Flight of Fighter Planes in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces while on combat air patrol in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 28 April 1945. When his flight intercepted a formation of approximately thirty Japanese fighters approaching Okinawa to launch an attack on shipping and land installations, First Lieutenant McManus courageously pressed home an attack and, although unable to keep up with his flight due to engine trouble, shot down one of the nearest enemy planes. After joining his own planes again, he continued his attack against the greatly superior hostile force and succeeded in shooting down three additional enemy aircraft. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courage and skilled airmanship, First Lieutenant McManus contributed materially to the success of his flight in destroying fourteen Japanese planes, probably destroying one other and routing the remainder, thereby protecting our ships and land installations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.