The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles Rudolph Fenton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), from 4 to 8 May 1942, during the Battles of Tulagi of the Coral Sea. Lieutenant Commander Fenton led his squadron in skillfully maneuvered and timely interference against enemy Japanese aircraft attempting to break up attacks on Tulagi by our carrier-based bombing and torpedo planes on 4 May, and on enemy carriers in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May. Though opposed by greatly superior numbers, the Squadron under the distinctive and efficient leadership of Lieutenant Commander Fenton, successfully repulsed the attacking enemy planes, and due to their high combat efficiency, shot down a total of twenty-two enemy planes during these engagements. Largely through the excellent protection furnished by his Squadron, our torpedo and dive bombing attacks resulted in the sinking of one enemy Japanese carrier, and the sinking or damaging of a second carrier and eight other enemy vessels, thus contributing greatly 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.