The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Adolph Mencin, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as pilot of a fighter plane in Fighting Squadron THIRTY-ONE (VF-31), attached to the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War area on July 4, 1944. As division leader in the first fighter sweep in the vicinity of enemy Japanese held Bonin Islands, Lieutenant Commander Mencin fought his plane gallantly despite intense return fire from the enemy, personally shooting down three of the hostile aircraft, and probably a forth, one of which was pursuing a friendly fighter. By his courage, initiative and airmanship, Lieutenant Commander Mencin contributed materially to the success of our operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services. 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.