The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Edward Frank Gibson (NSN: 0-97025), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VBF-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in an attack on the enemy heavy cruiser TONE in Kure Harbor, on 24 and 28 July 1945. Leading his division of six planes through intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack and dropped his bomb squarely on the target resulting in a direct hit which left the ship burning throughout the day. His courageous leadership in combat was an inspiration to the other pilots and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.