The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander (MC) George William Fox (NSN: 0-153229), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as a Medical Officer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), following an attack by enemy aircraft while striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When his ship was turned into an inferno by an enemy air attack which started violent explosions and raging fires on board, Lieutenant Commander Fox unhesitatingly remained at his battle station in the below-decks sick bay and, despite the penetration of terrific blasts and fumes, steadfastly continued to protect his patients and minister to casualties until he himself succumbed to the dense, suffocating smoke. Lieutenant Commander Fox’s valiant and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of others, his superb courage and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.