The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Coxswain Francis M. Shipley, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of an Armed Guard crew aboard a merchant ship during attacks by enemy forces in alien waters, during World War II. Coxswain Shipley manned the guns with efficiency and utter disregard for his own personal safety. He contributed to the timely and effective fire which enabled the gun crew to shoot down one enemy plane and to disrupt persistent raids upon the convoy maintained throughout the hazardous voyage and during anchorage in the port of destination. Coxswain Shipley’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.