The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederic L. Faulkner, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and courageous perseverance as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in two dive bombing attacks, the first on enemy Japanese forces in Tulagi Harbor on 4 May, and the second on an enemy aircraft carrier in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. Pressing home these attacks in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and, on 8 May, also harassed by heavy aircraft opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Faulkner assisted greatly in the sinking or severe damaging of the carrier and eight other enemy vessels. His conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds contributed materially to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.