William Maier

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to William Maier, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron ELEVEN (VT-11), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944, in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.