Kent Manning Cushman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Kent Manning Cushman, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet west of the Marianas Islands during the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Leading his section in a long-range attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Commander Cushman maneuvered his plane to evade determined fighter resistance and intense antiaircraft fire in the ensuing action and, striking at a large enemy aircraft carrier, scored two direct bomb hits on the bow of the hostile vessel which eventually sank. Upon completion of the critical mission, Lieutenant Commander Cushman succeeded in returning with his flight to his Task Group under extremely adverse conditions. His cool courage, professional skill and leadership reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Cushman and the United States Naval Service.