The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Noble Kirkham (NSN: 0-347317), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VF-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38). On 2 June 1945, while returning from a fighter sweep on airfields in Kyushu, Japan, alone and in extremely poor weather, and in waters patrolled by enemy aircraft, he flew protective cover over the pilot of a fighter plane which had been forced to land in the water due to extensive damage received from the enemy. Although he had sufficient fuel to return to base, he remained over the downed pilot to assist in his rescue until he, too, was forced to make a water landing due to lack of fuel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.