The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Edward William Larkin, Jr. (NSN: 0-112854), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron THIRTEEN (VT-13), attached to the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Manila Bay area on 19 October 1944. Lieutenant Larkin boldly led a flight of three bombers without fighter support in an attack on a large enemy tanker. He plunged through a formidable curtain of merciless fire to press home brilliant strikes, scoring a direct hit and two near misses, which resulted in the sinking of the enemy ship. Superb in combat and fighting with indomitable courage throughout this and numerous other missions, Lieutenant Larkin inspired his squadron mates with his high standards of aerial achievement. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.