The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Forrester C. Auman (NSN: 0-98553), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Pilot of a Scout Bomber embarked in U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the successful aerial action against Japanese Naval forces on 26 October 1942, near Santa Cruz Islands. In the face of strong enemy fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Auman boldly and daringly pressed home his attack, scoring a direct bomb hit on a large Japanese aircraft carrier. His conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action contributed in large measure to the heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.