The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Vincent Francis McCormack, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action during the period from 4 to 8 May 1942, during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. In order to prevent detection of our forces by the enemy, Lieutenant McCormack led his four-plane division flying combat air patrol in a prompt and aggressive attack on 4 May and shot down an enemy Japanese four-engine patrol plane. On 7 May, in the Coral Sea, his three-plane fighter escort provided the protection necessary for our Scout Bombers to attack and sink an enemy carrier. In company with his wingman, on combat air patrol, on 8 May, facing heavy machine gun fire and attacking with resolute purpose, he quickly shot down an enemy four-engine patrol plane; a short time later, he led his section in a courageously conducted and fierce attack against fifteen enemy dive bombers shooting down one before the enemy could release his bomb, then fearlessly pursued two others directly into the field of our own heavy anti-aircraft fire before relinquishing his attack. Lieutenant McCormack’s conduct in these engagements was marked by loyalty, zeal and a complete disregard for his own personal safety.