The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Francis Sarsfield Prendergast (NSN: 0-6987429), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism on 9 March 1967, as a naval Flight Officer serving with Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THIRTEEN (RVAH-13) embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-53), on a combat mission over North Vietnam. After being shot down, pursued, and captured by a group of enemy militiamen and soldiers in the shallow, coastal waters off North Vietnam, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Prendergast calmly and accurately assessed his dire situation and cunningly conserved his strength for a bold and extraordinarily heroic escape. Demonstrating the courage and alertness of a disciplined and well-trained fighting man, he seized upon a most dramatic escape opportunity which presented itself for, at the most, a few fleeting seconds. By his exceptionally prompt, daring and heroic action at this moment he succeeded in eluding his captors and was, shortly thereafter, picked up by a rescue helicopter. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Prendergast’s keen foresight, sound judgment and courageous conduct in the face of an armed enemy, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.