The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harry A. Fredrickson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fredrickson piloted his bombing squadron plane in two dive-bombing attacks on enemy Japanese carriers. These attacks pressed, pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire on 7 May, and opposed as well by enemy fighters on 8 May, resulted in the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of the other. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fredrickson’s extreme courage and gallant conduct in these actions contributed materially to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. His conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.