The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Carlton Benedict Starkes (NSN: 0-86060), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and as Section Leader of the Sixth Division, Fighting Squadron FIVE (VF-5), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. Upon sighting a hostile force of eleven dive bombers intent upon raiding our transports and other surface vessels, Lieutenant Starkes, intercepting two of the planes in the midst of their dives, shot them down before they could release their bombs. Shooting down a third and damaging two others, he, by his cool courage and superb airmanship, contributed materially to the success of our forces in a vigorous attack which destroyed a total of nine Japanese bombers and effectively disrupted the enemy’s plans. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.