William R. Hollingsworth

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William R. Hollingsworth, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber and Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1942. After leading his squadron over the enemy concentration, Commander Hollingsworth dove his plane through withering anti-aircraft fire and scored a direct bomb hit on an enemy anti-aircraft cruiser. Later in that day, he again led his squadron in a vigorous and successful attack on an enemy air base at Tarawa Island, Maloelap Atoll, and despite intense anti-aircraft opposition, destroyed four enemy two-engined bombers and three Japanese fighters being serviced on the air field. His fine spirit of determination and initiative in offensive action and his gallant disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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