William Aristhide Bourgeois

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Aristhide Bourgeois (0-321070), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 19 March 1945. Participating in an attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet in Kure Bay, Japan, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bourgeois dove through extremely intense anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit on an enemy battleship. Recovering from his dive at less than 1,500 feet, he strafed enemy small craft and shore installations while making his retirement. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0510 (May 4, 1945)