Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] William Calvin Jamison, 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 TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 and 25 October 1944. A daring and intrepid airman, Lieutenant Jamison plunged through withering anti-aircraft fire to launch a devastating rocket attack on major units of the Japanese fleet and inflict extensive damage on a hostile cruiser and, by continuing his same bold tactics the following day, succeeded in scoring a smashing bomb hit to damage a Japanese light cruiser. His superb skill as an airman, resolute fighting spirit and brilliant combat tactics throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Jamison and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 21 (VF-21)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 15 – 17, 1944

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 358 (January 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant William Calvin Jamison, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VF-21), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), over the Philippine Islands area from 15 to 17 October 1944.