The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Carpenter Henry Paul Buhl, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Ship’s Carpenter on board the U.S.S. MANILA BAY (CVE-61). His ship was engaged in directly supporting the landing of United States troops at Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 5 January 1945. When enemy air attack caused serious battle damage to the vessel, he exercised diligence and skill in controlling damage and making necessary repairs which enabled his ship to continue in action against the enemy during a critical period of important operations. Without regard for his personal safety he led out hoses from below decks to the hangar and fought fires and directed fire fighting in blazing, fully-gassed and armed torpedo planes and on the deck and prevented spread of fire to other parts of the ship. After extinguishing the blaze, he skillfully controlled resulting water damage. By untiring perseverance and skill he completed such adequate repairs of damaged flight deck and equipment that the ship was enabled to resume flight operations. His disregard for personal safety in the face of danger and his resourcefulness, perseverance and skill in returning his ship to battle efficiency were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.