The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Edward Henry Allen (NSN: 0-70223), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Executive Officer of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition, Lieutenant Allen led his division in a bold and persistent dive-bombing attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, which contributed materially to the destruction of that vessel. His courageous conduct throughout this engagement was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.