The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas Henry Mann, Jr. (MCSN: 0-9319), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Guadalcanal Area of the Solomon Islands from 25 September 1942 to 12 November 1942. Despite numerically superior Japanese forces, Second Lieutenant Mann skillfully pressed home his attacks against the enemy, shooting down nine hostile aircraft, and assisting in the destruction of two others. By his outstanding ability, cool courage and indomitable fighting spirit he contributed materially to the defense and security of our forces in that area and was an inspiration to all the members of his squadron. His conduct throughout this period was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.