William Walton Hastings

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Walton Hastings, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of Commanding Officer, Section Base Area, Mariveles Harbor, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on the night of 8 – 9 April 1942. Commander Hastings’ efficient organization and direction of a mixed force of American and Filipino enlisted men in evacuating personnel and supplies to Corregidor, and in the demolition of living quarters and utilities, and the demolition of the U.S.S. BITTERN and the Dry Dock DEWEY, in accordance with a well conceived and executed plan, made this difficult operation possible in spite of darkness, demolition explosions, and reports of approaching Japanese. The conduct of Commander Hastings throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)