The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Obed E. Williams, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in the line of his profession as an Aviation Observer; especially for heroic action in taking part in operations on 23 April 1918, bombing an enemy submarine, which was reported as having been destroyed. Ensign Williams was also awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm.