COMMANDER KENT MANNING CUSHMAN was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN, attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 20, 1944. Leading his section in a long-range attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant) 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.

CMDR. Cushman joined the L.O.V. in 1988 and resided in Washington State.