William Augustus Read, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Augustus Read, Jr., Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving on a Navy PBY4Y Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED ONE (VPB-101), in action against enemy Japanese during an armed reconnaissance mission over Puerto Princessa and the surrounding areas in the Philippine Islands on 19 October 1944. The conduct of Lieutenant Read throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.