William Leslie Wright

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 Leslie Wright, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 15 March 1942 to 7 May 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Makassar Straits. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Wright brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and 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 Leslie Wright, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. STURGEON (SS-187), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 28 December 1941 to 20 February 1942, in enemy controlled waters off the Coast of Borneo. On the night of 22 January, STURGEON was alerted by the U.S.S. PICKEREL (SS-177), that a large convoy was headed her way in Makassar Strait. A few minutes later, her sonar picked up the pings of ships dead astern. She submerged and fired four torpedoes at a large ship, with two explosions following. The submarine was then subjected to a two and one-half hour depth charge attack by two destroyers which caused no damage. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Wright brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.