The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Frederick Carl Sherman (NSN: 0-7562), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy forces in the Pacific War Area when his ship was attacked by eighteen Japanese bombing planes on 20 February 1942. As a result of the brilliant performance of the fighting squadrons under his command, the outstanding manner in which he coordinated and timed the employment and relief of his combat patrols and his own expert handling of the ship, sixteen of the eighteen enemy bombers were destroyed, without damage to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2). Captain Sherman’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Frederick Carl Sherman (NSN: 0-7562), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, on 21 February 1944, while serving as Officer in Tactical Command of a Carrier Task Group, when the position of his group in the Mariana Islands was reported to the enemy. Later that evening his Task Group was the object of a series of attacks by enemy Torpedo and Bombing planes. These attacks were delivered in an aggressive, determined manner and continued throughout the night and into the following morning. During these repeated attacks he maneuvered his Task Group in an excellent manner and presented to the enemy at all times the most difficult target possible; two enemy aircraft were destroyed at night by ships’ gunfire, and three more were destroyed by ships’ gunfire and Combat Air Patrol the following morning. In the face of these determined attacks he continued his approach to the aircraft launching point. Aircraft launched from carriers under his command delivered repeated attacks on shipping, aircraft, and shore installation on and in the vicinity of Tinian and Guam Islands, and inflicted heavy damage upon the enemy. In addition, extremely valuable photographs were obtained. The above action and subsequent retirement were completed without damage to ships of his Task Group by the enemy. His actions contributed materially to the successful completion of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.