Alan Stetson Frank

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Alan Stetson Frank, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against enemy Japanese forces on in the Solomon Islands during the period from 6 September to 10 October 1942. Lieutenant Frank led a group of scout bombers and fighters which scored a hit and three near-misses on a heavy cruiser and, later, inflicted serious damage on a force of 2 light cruisers and 4 destroyers. He participated in two other attacks on 13 vessels and scored such a disastrous hit on a destroyer that it probably was sunk. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 319 (October 1943)