The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Samuel Jackson Underhill (NSN: 0-99753), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. Participating in offensive action against the enemy with aggressive skill and courageous determination, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft barrage, Ensign Underhill contributed materially to the sinking or damaging of eight enemy vessels in Tulagi Harbor on 4 May, and to the sinking of an enemy aircraft carrier in the Coral Sea on 7 May. Again, on 8 May, while on anti-torpedo plane patrol, he fiercely engaged the combined attack of enemy bombing and torpedo planes and their heavy fighter support. His conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.