Meade H. Willis, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Meade H. Willis, Jr., Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession, in combat with the enemy in the Philippine Islands during the period of 7 December 1941 to 28 April 1942. While exposed to frequent horizontal and dive bombing attacks by enemy Japanese air forces, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Willis participated in operations of strategic importance involving hazardous missions such as to reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.