The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Noyes McLennan (MCSN: 0-10613), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands from 20 August 1942 to 13 September 1942. Unassisted and facing overwhelming odds, Second Lieutenant McLennan bravely and skillfully attacked a force of enemy aircraft, shooting down four; and with the aid of another fighter pilot, a fifth Japanese plane was destroyed. Second Lieutenant McLennan’s expert airmanship, quick resourcefulness and undaunted courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.