The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Franklin Charley Atkins (NSN: 6295917), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as pointer of an anti-aircraft gun aboard the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28) on 25 November 1944, off the coast of the Philippine Islands. He courageously remained at his station although Japanese aircraft were attempting dives upon his ship. When an enemy plane struck near him he was badly burned and received shrapnel wounds. When his own gun was disabled, he voluntarily aided in the manning of another gun which assisted in shooting down another enemy aircraft. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.