William Rudolph Thayer
Born: May 28, 1900 at Colorado Springs, Colorado
Home Town: New Canaan, Connecticut
Navy Cross
World War II
U.S. Navy
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Rudolph Thayer, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JARVIS (DD-393), in sinking an enemy submarine on 28 January 1942. The conduct of Commander Thayer throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.