Frank Mayock

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank Mayock, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron ONE (VT-1), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10), in action against the enemy fleet west of the Marianas Islands during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Courageous in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and strong fighter opposition, Lieutenant Mayock participated in a successful close range torpedo attack which resulted in two torpedo hits on an enemy carrier. After releasing his torpedo, he gallantry fought off several attacking enemy fighters, and skillfully navigated his aircraft to his Task Group after nightfall. By his brilliant airmanship, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Mayock contributed materially to the success of our operations in this historic engagement, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.