William E. Niemann

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William E. Niemann, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VC-76), embarked from the U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE-80), and deployed over Samar in the Philippine Islands, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.