William M. Cole

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William M. Cole, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Commander Cole was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country’s forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Commander Cole contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (March 1943)