The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Nicholas Leonard, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane of Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, while leader of a four-plane division engaged in protecting our own forces attacking Tulagi Harbor, he led his division in four successive strafing attacks against an enemy destroyer and, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, succeeded in inflicting serious damage on the enemy vessel. On the same occasion he led his section in a determined attack against three enemy seaplane fighters, destroying two of them and assisting in the destruction of the third. On 8 May, while leader of the fighter escort for our own torpedo planes in an attack against an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he aggressively engaged the enemy fighter opposition, skillfully assisting in the destruction of two of the enemy planes. None of our torpedo planes were damaged during this attack which resulted in the sinking or severe damaging of the carrier. While returning from this mission he encountered an enemy torpedo plane returning to its carrier. He led his section in an attack against this plane and assisted in the prompt destruction of the enemy aircraft. Throughout these engagements Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leonard displayed outstanding leadership, aggressiveness and judgment. His conduct was always unusually courageous and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the 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 Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Nicholas Leonard, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while piloting an airplane of Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942, during the “Air Battle of Midway”. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leonard was launched from his carrier to intercept an incoming attack by Japanese torpedo planes. He had been in the air only a few seconds when the enemy planes started their runs prior to dropping their torpedoes. With great skill, courage and determination, and despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire from his own ships, he pressed home repeated attacks against the enemy planes shooting down one and damaging another. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.