William Henley Shawcross

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Henley Shawcross, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane embarked from the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), and in action on 25 October 1944, while deployed over Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shawcross’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.