William Costello Brooks, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Costello Brooks, Jr., Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), embarked from the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during action against major Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense antiaircraft fire, Ensign Brooks pressed home two attacks against the enemy. He single-handedly attacked a heavy cruiser with depth bombs and, subsequently participating in a three-plane torpedo attack, scored a direct hit on an enemy battleship. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brooks and the United States Naval Service.