George William Fox

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to George William Fox, Lieutenant Commander (MC), U.S. Navy (Reserve), for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as a Medical Officer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When the FRANKLIN was struck by enemy bombs which caused tremendous fires and explosions among a large number of fully armed and fueled planes both on the flight deck and in the hangar, Lieutenant Commander Fox treated patients under extremely adverse conditions until he died in the process. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Fox saved many lives. His professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.