The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Jethro Greene, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Chief Engineer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When the FRANKLIN was struck by enemy bombs which caused tremendous fires and explosions among a large number of fully armed and fueled planes both on the flight deck and in the hangar, Lieutenant Commander Greene kept power on the ship until forced by suffocating smoke to abandon engineering and boiler room spaces. Later, under further enemy air attacks, he penetrated smoke-filled compartments, and by his inspiring leadership, succeeded in restoring power and enabling the ship to get under way. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Greene throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.