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.