Charles T. Booth II

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles T. Booth, II, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VF-41), embarked from the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942. Attacked by sixteen hostile fighters while raiding the Gazes airdrome, Lieutenant Commander Booth and his flight of eighteen planes shot nine of the interceptors out of the sky, damaged another, and destroyed fourteen aircraft on the ground. In addition to subsequent strafing raids which silenced enemy shore batteries near Port Lyautey and El Hank, he led a flight of eleven planes through a bursting hail of anti-aircraft fire to bombard two surfaced submarines and a light cruiser off Casablanca. Later, Lieutenant Commander Booth led four additional flights in successful attacks against hostile troops, planes in the air, and tank and truck columns. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.