The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Philip Gruner, Jr. (NSN: 0-74879), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 February to 17 March 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Carolines, in the Pacific War Area. On 16 February 1944, courageously contacting and pursuing an escorted enemy cruiser, Commander Gruner defied hostile aerial opposition as he successfully penetrated the escort screen to launch an aggressive attack and sink this major enemy combatant ship. Forced to dive by the severe enemy counterattacks, he employed skillful evasive tactics and succeeded in bringing his ship to port without serious damage. Commander Gruner’s leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission reflect the highest credit upon Commander Gruner and the United States Naval Service.