The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Frank Barton Wood, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement in aerial combat as a rear seat gunner in an airplane of a Scouting Squadron in action against Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942. Aviation Radioman Third Class Wood successfully repelled an enemy attack on his plane, shooting down one of the hostile aircraft in the engagement. His courage, skill alertness and a complete disregard for his own personal safety were directly responsible for the saving of his own plane and the destruction of one enemy Japanese aircraft.