William C. Raposa

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to William C. Raposa, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VT-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 28 1945. Diving through intense antiaircraft fire from the many shore installations and from hulks in the harbor, Ensign Raposa pressed home his attack on the heavy cruiser Aoba and scored two direct hits which contributed materially to the final destruction of this vessel. His skilled airmanship and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William C. Raposa, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VT-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Participating in a coordinated attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet in their heavily defended anchorage, Ensign Raposa aggressively pressed home his attack on a heavy cruiser and, despite intense antiaircraft fire from harbor positions and hostile shipping in the area, scored hits to leave the vessel listing and down by the stern. His courage and determination in the completion of his mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.