William Russell Mckinney

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Russell McKinney, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Gunnery Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), which was striking the Japanese home islands in the vicinity of Kobe, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When the FRANKLIN was struck by enemy bombs which caused tremendous fires and explosions among a large number of fully armed and fueled planes both on the flight deck and in the hangar, Lieutenant Commander McKinney reorganized gun crews and rapidly replaced a number of batteries which drove off at least one close and dangerous attacking plane. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander McKinney throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)