Samuel Robert Sherman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Samuel Robert Sherman, 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 Flight Surgeon 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. On that date 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. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Sherman 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.