The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Francis Patrick Mulcahy (MCSN: 0-695), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of the United Nations Air Forces against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 29 December 1942 to 15 February 1943. During this period of continuous battling for control of the sea lanes to Guadalcanal, Brigadier General Mulcahy planned and directed the operations of the air units with such superb professional ability and unrelenting determination as to frustrate the enemy efforts to transport desperately needed troops and supplies to the island. Although constantly subjected to severe hostile bombing attacks, the forces under his skillful and fearless command were responsible for tremendous destruction of enemy surface vessels, aircraft and shore installations. The brilliant initiative and sound tactical judgment displayed by Brigadier General Mulcahy throughout the entire campaign contributed immeasurably to the continued successful occupation of Guadalcanal by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.