William DOW Thomas

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Dow Thomas, Commander [then Commander], U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of Destroyer and Destroyer Escorts screening an Escort Carrier Task Unit, during action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet, in the Battle off Samar Island, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers attacked our small Task Unit of Escort Carriers, Captain Thomas closed on the hostile disposition, deploying his small force between the enemy and the lightly armed and armored carriers and brought his light caliber guns to bear upon the rapidly advancing hostile Fleet units. By a skillfully organized torpedo attack, launched at short range, he succeeded in delivering a series of crippling blows, despite continuous fire from heavy caliber enemy guns, and contributed materially to the victorious conclusion of this historic battle. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.