Frank Martin Hall

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank Martin Hall, Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC), U.S. Navy (Reserve), for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer in charge of the 7th Beach Battalion, Naval Beach Party Medical Team, during the invasion of the Coast of France, on 6 June 1944. Forced to swim three miles to shore when his own landing craft was sunk during the initial assault, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hall gallantly carried on his mission with such meager supplies as he was able to salvage from the dead and wounded. Completely unmindful of his own danger, he labored with untiring zeal under the terrific fire of the enemy, resolutely assuming command of all medical work on an additional beach when it was determined that the officer in charge was missing in action and, despite the extreme hazards and the grueling strain, skillfully covered two beaches without relief until the afternoon of D-plus-two day. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hall 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.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)