Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Lee Moore, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly pressing home his attack to low altitude in the face of accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire from the formidable enemy disposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Moore succeeded in scoring one of eight direct hits upon a Japanese aircraft carrier of CHITOSE class, in a strike so effectively disposed that the resulting successive hits upon this ship caused it’s almost immediate sinking. Undaunted in the face of relentless, devastating anti-aircraft fire, he rendered gallant service during the bitterly fought engagement in which all carriers, a light cruiser and a destroyer of the enemy’s task force were sunk and heavy bomb and torpedo damage inflicted on battleships and other important naval units. By his daring airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty through a perilous assignment, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Moore contributed materially to the sinking of this valuable enemy fighting unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1944

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 368 (October 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign William Lee Moore, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), over the Mariana Islands, on 12 June 1944.