The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class George David Stokeley (NSN: 2953556), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Radioman and Rear Seat Gunner of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron EIGHT (VS-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the successful aerial action against Japanese Naval forces on 26 October 1942, near Santa Cruz Islands. Aviation Radioman First Class Stokeley acted as fire control director of a striking force of planes and aided greatly in fighting off prolonged attacks by enemy fighters. Although his plane was shot down short of the target, he continued to man his gun and drive off repeated attacks by enemy fighters on the damaged craft. His great courage and skill contributed in a large measure not only to the destruction of fifteen enemy fighters but to the success of the attack on a large Japanese carrier. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.