William Benjamin Sumpter

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Benjamin Sumpter, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Catalina Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron THIRTY-THREE (VPB-33), in action on 26 September 1944, while deployed over the North Celebes. While patrolling the Toli Toli Bay, Northern Celebes, on a Black Cat mission the night of 3 October, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, William B. Sumpter led his PBY Catalina in an attack against a 6,000-ton Katori-class light cruiser. His attack was made during the hazardous conditions of bright moonlight and against constant and intense antiaircraft fire from the cruiser. He scored eight bomb hits resulting in explosions and the burning of the cruiser and its sinking. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.