William Ross Bauhof

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Ross Bauhof (0-157922), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane, in action on 19 June 1944, in operations near the Marianas Islands. When our naval forces were heavily attacked by large numbers of enemy carrier-based planes, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bauhof pressed home determined attacks upon the enemy formation in the face of severe enemy fighter opposition, and single-handed shot down two enemy dive bombers, one fighter and one Torpedo Plane, and assisted in destroying another Torpedo Plane. His repeated attacks were so decisive as to materially aid in breaking up the enemy attacks and in establishing air superiority for our forces. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944)