The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Albert Ogden Vorse, Jr. (NSN: 0-78768), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Pilot of a U.S. Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), embarked in the U.S.S. TICNDEROGA (CV-14), in an aerial flight in the Tokyo area on 16 February 1945. Leading a formation of eighteen fighters on a sweep against enemy air power and air installations, Lieutenant Commander Vorse shot down four enemy aircraft in the air and destroyed two more on the ground. His skillful and courageous leadership amid heavy anti-aircraft fire aided the planes following him to gravely damage ground installations as well as to return to the carrier without the loss of a pilot. His cool judgment, great flying ability, and utter disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.