William Magill Collins, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Magill Collins, Jr., Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Squadron Leader in Fighting Squadron EIGHT (VF-8), embarked from the U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces over Formosa on 12 October 1944. Commander Collins led the 14 planes of his carrier-based squadron on a fighter sweep, unhesitatingly directing them into combat against approximately 50 enemy fighters. Under his outstanding and aggressive leadership, his squadron shot down in flames five of the enemy without loss to any of their own. Commander Collins then led his squadron in their safe return to their base. Commander Collins’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)