LCDR WILLIAM S. EMERSON. (then Lieutenant) United States Navy. For extraordinary heroism as a Pilot with Bombing Squadron 19 embarked in USS LEXINGTON in operations against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. 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.

A resident of Missouri, Commander Emerson received the award of the Navy Cross 47 years after the action in a ceremony on April 15, 1992.