William Edwin Abbott

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to William Edwin Abbott (7550232), Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as a Member of the Crew of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VPB-104). On 12 December 1944, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Abbott, as first mechanic on a Navy Liberator on armed combat patrol, penetrating a thousand miles into enemy territory over northwest Borneo, salvaged enough fuel from a gas line tank pierced by savage enemy fire, to enable his plane to return to its base. In so doing he braved intense fumes, until unconscious, he fell to his death. He thereby sacrificed his life for those of his fellow crew members. His action showed undaunted courage, fierce tenacity, an absolute disregard for personal safety and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

VPB-104 File P15 MM: Serial 051 (December 22, 1944)