The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Wilson Fitts (NSN: 0-70345), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Executive Officer of a United States Naval warship, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Aleutian Islands Campaign in the Territory of Alaska, in 1942. Displaying remarkable coolness and efficiency, Lieutenant Commander Fitts directed the fire of guns under his control which destroyed an enemy Japanese bomber. Due to his excellent leadership and fine example, the crew tending patrol planes was spurred to maximum efforts. Lieutenant Commander Fitts’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander William Wilson Fitts (NSN: 0-70345), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BRAINE (DD-63), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 January 1945. When an enemy destroyer attempted to attack the disposition of which his ship was a member, Commander Fitts boldly closed the hostile vessel and directed his gun batteries in delivering accurate fire which contributed to its destruction. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.