William Arthur Elings

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Arthur Elings, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR (VT-84), embarked from the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during an attack against the Japanese Battleship Yamato off Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Displaying great skill and courage, Ensign Elings pressed home his torpedo attack and despite extremely intense antiaircraft fire from all caliber weapons on the battleship and the surrounding screen. His torpedo was one of thirteen dropped in a concerted attack by the squadron, which cored at least nine hits on the battleship almost simultaneously. Without flinching he carried his torpedo in to close range through adverse weather conditions and intense enemy fire which included the main batteries, contributing materially to the complete destruction of the capital ship a short time later. His courage, skill, determination and unswerving devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.