The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Owen Foch Williams, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 26 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Williams successfully carried out his attack at low altitude despite the intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and scored a direct hit on an enemy battleship. His coolness, courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.