The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederick Cushing Cross, Jr. (NSN: 0-106924), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Navy PV-1 airplane in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-EIGHT (VB-128), Fleet Air Wing NINE, United States Atlantic Fleet, during an engagement with an enemy submarine on 7 August 1943. Although he sustained mortal wounds and his aircraft’s starboard engine was shattered by a direct hit during the approach to a hostile submarine, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cross, undeterred by his extremely painful injuries and the hazards of concentrated enemy gunfire, pressed home an aggressive attack, dropping his depth bombs in a stick across the ship’s bow and possibly damaging the undersea craft. After struggling in vain to maintain flight, he succeeded in effecting a perfect water landing, thus enabling his co-pilot and radio operator to survive and subsequently to attain safety. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cross’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.