The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William Earl Henry, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. A pilot of Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3), Lieutenant Henry located three enemy destroyers engaged in landing operations off the north coast of Guadalcanal Island and launched a shattering attack which forced the enemy to withdraw. In this and other flights, he participated in attacks on four heavy cruisers, five light cruisers, 30 destroyers, and six transports.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant William Earl Henry, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant William Earl Henry, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot during World War II.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Batallion:
Fighting Squadron 79 (VF(N)-79)Division:
U.S.S. Independence (CVL-22)Action Date:
October 12, 1944
Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0852 (December 29, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] William Earl Henry, 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-NINE (VF(N)-79), attached to the U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVL-22), in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Formosa, on 12 October 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant Commander Henry intercepted three low-flying enemy torpedo planes, personally downing two of them before they could launch an attack on the Task Force. Pressing home his furious attacks on the hostile aircraft to minimum range despite imminent danger of being shot down by friendly forces and in the face of bitter and persistent hostile countermeasures and extremely adverse weather conditions, he prevented probably heavy damage to the Task Force. His daring combat tactics, unfaltering bravery and steadfast devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Henry and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.