The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Fred Martin Hall, United States Navy, 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), during a Japanese aerial attack which seriously damaged that vessel as she prepared to strike at the Japanese mainland in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When his ship was severely damaged by enemy air attacks and rocked by the explosions of her own ordnance, Ensign Hall contributed materially to the saving of the carrier by organizing and leading parties of men in determined fire fighting in the most dangerous parts of the flight and gallery decks, remaining at his station despite repeated enemy air attacks and frequent explosions. His cool determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.