The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederic Cole Talbot (NSN: 0-278619), 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 FIFTEEN (VB-15, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against major enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the whole enemy formation, under extremely hazardous combat conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Talbot pressed his attack to low altitude and obtained a direct hit upon a battleship of the YAMATO Class. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.