The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Frederick William Tracey (NSN: 0-106261), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTEEN (VF-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during the crucial battles with powerful formations of the Japanese fleet in waters surrounding the Philippine Islands, from 24 to 26 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter bomber, Lieutenant Tracy strafed and bombed major enemy warships on three separate occasions. During these attacks he scored a direct bomb hit on a large enemy carrier despite continuous intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. His determined efforts materially contributed to the defeat and routing of an enemy battleship Task Force, a carrier Task Force and the destruction of numerous major elements in the enemy’s fleet. His outstanding courage, skillful determination and disregard for his own personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.