William Farrell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Farrell (0-28158), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, on 25 May 1945. Participating in a bold attack on a numerically superior force of enemy fighter and bomber aircraft, First Lieutenant Farrell fought his plane gallantly and, pressing home his attacks, shod down four of the hostile planes, probably destroyed a fifth and assisted in the destruction of another in a single engagement. By his superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit, he aided materially in preventing the hostile aerial group from inflicting serious damage on friendly shipping installations. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Commander, Air Forces, Pacific: Serial 2110