William Shuler Burns

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Shuler Burns, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTEEN (VT-15, embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. Leading his division through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Burns pressed home his attack to close range, scoring a hit and inflicting damage. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0451 (December 17, 1944)