William Siggins Emerson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Siggins Emerson, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19) embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Courageous and skillful in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous fire from hostile anti-aircraft batteries, Lieutenant Emerson boldly pressed home a hazardous dive-bombing attack on a Japanese aircraft carrier and accurately placing his bomb, scored a direct hit upon his target despite its desperate evasive tactics. A superb and intrepid airman, he contributed directly to the sinking of the enemy aircraft carrier and played a gallant part in strenuous aerial operations during this critical period of the Pacific War. Lieutenant Emerson’s inspiring courage, daring tactics, and fearless devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.