The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner Thomas M. Stoops, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Gunner 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, Gunner Stoops organized firefighting and damage control parties, jettisoning hot ammunition and bombs, some of which were extricated from amidst the wreckage of burning aircraft and were so heated and damaged it was impossible to defuse them. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Stoops throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.