The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Frederic William Hawes, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of Forward Repair Party Number FOUR aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), following the attack on that carrier during the Battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. In order to effect the rescue of wounded officers and men, Lieutenant Hawes repeatedly led his repair party into gas-filled compartments in the face of frequent explosions and personally conducted rescue squads through areas of imminent danger. Rallying from two lapses into unconsciousness and with utter disregard for his own safety, he was responsible for the rescue of at least 20 of the wounded. His courageous conduct and strict devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.