William Richard Leonard, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Richard Leonard, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Torpedo Plane and Strike Leader in Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Inland Sea, 24 July 1945. Fearlessly disregarding intense enemy antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Leonard led a flight of torpedo, dive and fighter-bombers in an attack on a hostile battleship-carrier, personally scoring a direct hit and two near misses which contributed materially to the ultimate sinking of the enemy capital ship. His expert airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.