William Anthony Behr

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Anthony Behr (0-104827), Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIX (VF-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces against a Japanese Naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands area on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and air opposition Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Behr delivered his dive bombing attack with utmost vigor and heroic determination. In so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the provable destruction of a Japanese aircraft carrier. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 3954