William Reynolds Freeman

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 Reynolds Freeman, Gunner’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as a Member of Naval Combat Demolition Unit ELEVEN (NCDU-11), during the amphibious assault on the Normandy Coast of France on 6 June 1944. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Freeman’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Reynolds Freeman, Gunner’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as member of a demolition party attached to the Fleet Tug U.S.S. CHEROKEE (AT-66), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Assigned the extremely dangerous task of cutting through an enemy obstruction in order that the U.S.S. DALLAS could navigate up the Sebou River in order to land raiders near a strategic airport, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Freeman and his shipmates, on the night of 9 November, proceeded with grim determination toward their objective. Despite the treacherous surf, he and his comrades skillfully and courageously accomplished their hazardous mission of cutting the cables at the mouth of the river, as guns from the French fort opened fire. Countering the enemy’s attack until out of range, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Freeman and the other members of his party, in spite of the enormous breakers which battered their boat, brought her back to safety. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.