The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Fred R. Harris, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Flight Deck Officer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When his ship was hit in an enemy air attack, a series of violent explosions of the vessel’s own bombs, rockets, and ammunition followed which threatened destruction of the ship. Immediately, in the face of raging fires, continuous explosions, and further enemy air attacks, Lieutenant Harris courageously led parties of men in determined and valiant fire fighting on the exposed flight deck and demolished gallery deck, continuing until the fires were out. He also led a group which jettisoned a large quantity of hot ammunition from enclosed mounts and flooded ready service magazines. The heroic efforts of Lieutenant Harris were instrumental in saving the ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.