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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant (ChC) Francis Joseph McManus (NSN: 0-77981), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chaplain for the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), at Mariveles Harbor, Manila Bay, and at Fort Mills, Corregidor from 3 December 1941 to 6 May 1942, and as a Prisoner of War at Corregidor and at Philippine Military Prison Compound 1, Cabanatuan, and on a Japanese prison ship sunk off Olongapo, Philippine Islands, 3 December 1942 to 15 December 1944.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (ChC)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Canopus (AS-9)

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1941
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (ChC) Francis Joseph McManus (NSN: 0-77981), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Chaplain of the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), during the bombardment on Cavite, Philippine Islands, on 10 December 1941. When an armor- piercing bomb exploded in the vicinity of the after magazine crushing or exploding 70 rounds of ammunition, killing 6 men and wounding 6 others, and starting fires in adjacent compartments, Chaplain McManus, with complete disregard for his own safety, entered the smoke and steam filled engine room, assisted in removing the wounded and administered the last rites to the dying. His courageous action, beyond the call of duty and in the face of grave danger, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands and Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942 – December 15, 1944
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Lieutenant (ChC), Francis Joseph McManus (NSN: 0-77981), United States Navy, a former crewman of the U.S.S. CANOPUS (AS-9), was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death while in captivity on or about 15 December 1944.