The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Humphrey Lewis Tallman (NSN: 0-98448), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Section Leader of Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in the successful aerial action against Japanese naval force on 26 October 1942, near Santa Cruz Islands. Through strong fighter opposition and in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Tallman pressed home his attack on two enemy cruisers and one enemy destroyer, obtaining one positive direct bomb hit on an enemy light cruiser. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.