Bruce Wade Williams

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Bruce Wade Williams, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Division Leader in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. While participating in a strike on units of the enemy fleet, Lieutenant Williams led his division through intense anti-aircraft fire on a strafing and glide bombing attack. He personally dropped a five hundred pound bomb on a battleship which was left damaged by the vigorous attack of our aircraft. He then made repeated strafing runs on destroyers and severely damaged one. This was accomplished in spite of anti-aircraft fire at low altitudes. Lieutenant Williams’ inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.