Francis Earl Hedges

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Earl Hedges, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane embarked from the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in action on 19 March 1945, while deployed over Japan. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.