The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Marshall David Barnett, Jr. (NSN: 0-264306), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scout Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THIRTEEN (VB-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Sibuyan Sea during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 24 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnett fought his plane boldly and with relentless determination despite accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire during a brilliantly executed attack on a Japanese light cruiser. With his plane badly damaged by a burst of hostile fire in the execution of his dive, he continued his same daring tactics and released his bomb load at perilously low altitude to score a direct hit on the enemy ship. By his superb flying ability, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage, maintained at great personal risk, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnett contributed immeasurably to the extensive and costly damage inflicted on the Japanese fleet in this vital war area. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.