The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Merideth Hall, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SEVENTY-ONE (VF-71), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7), in action against enemy forces in the Solomon Islands, on 27 August 1942. During operations of the United States Naval and Marine Forces in support of the occupation of the Islands, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hall, with utter disregard for his own personal safety in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire, pressed home a fearless and determined attack against a hostile four-engined flying boat and shot it down. His gallant initiative and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.