William E. Murphy

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William E. Murphy, 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 in action on 7 April 1945, while deployed over the East China Sea. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William E. Murphy, Ensign, U.S. Coast Guard, for gallantry and intrepidity aboard the U.S.S. CALLAWAY (APA-35) in her action against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific area on 8 January 1945. Ensign Murphy caused himself to be lowered into wrecked clipping room which it was still burning and the ammunition in it still exploding, to rescue an injured man.