The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Kenmore Mathew McManes, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-FOUR, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. Engaging a powerful detachment of the Japanese Fleet, consisting of battleships, cruisers and destroyers, Captain McManes conducted his attack into close quarters with the enemy and launched damaging blows. During withdrawal, he directed gunfire against the upper works of the enemy, silenced their secondary batteries, and brought his attack group out of the action unharmed. He completed his full share in the annihilation of the enemy that decisively stopped their interference with the occupation of this area. This successful attack contributed in large measure to eliminating an imminent and dangerous threat to our transports and other ships in Leyte Gulf. Captain McManes’ high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.