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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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Richard Kane, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of Air Group TEN, attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Marshall and Caroline Islands and at Hollandia, New Guinea, from 20 February to 30 April 1944. Skillfully leading his flight of carrier-based planes on numerous missions in support of our offensive operations in these strategic islands, Commander Kane consistently maneuvered his planes for maximum striking power and, directing devastating assaults against the Japanese, contributed immeasurably to the infliction of serious and costly damage on hostile aircraft, installations and shipping. At Palau and Truk, he assisted in the destruction of two enemy planes during fierce aerial encounters. His inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit, superb airmanship and gallant devotion to duty despite grave hazards reflect the highest credit upon Commander Kane and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    January 29 – February 4, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 66

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Richard Kane, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of Fighting Squadron TEN (VF-10), in operations against enemy Japanese forces at Taroa and Kwajalein, from 29 January to 4 February 1944; and against Truk, 16 – 17 February 1944. Determinedly pushing through to his target at Taroa under extremely adverse conditions of weather and darkness, Commander Kane effected the rendezvous of sufficient fighters to destroy all airborne opposition and many enemy aircraft on the ground. During action against Kwajalein, he effectively led numerous strikes against the enemy, destroying an ammunition dump and other installations. Commanding the first combined fighter sweep in the initial American offensive move against the enemy stronghold at Truk, he directed his 72 fighters skillfully and coolly against enemy air opposition and anti-aircraft fire and personally shot down three enemy planes. His superb professional skill, able leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 10 (AG-10)

    Division:

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

    Action Date:

    June 11 – 25, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0247 (July 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Richard Kane, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commander of Air Group 10 TEN (AG-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action from 11 to 25 June 1944, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Southern Mariana Islands, from 11 to 25 June 1944. Courageously leading his Air Group on numerous attacks, including fighter sweeps and bombardment missions, against strong enemy installations, Commander Kane inflicted serious and costly damage on enemy airfields, gun emplacements and beach positions, personally destroying one enemy fighter in aerial combat and damaging another. Despite a painful wound incurred when shot down on 16 June, he participated in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June, serving as a fighter escort for several planes seeking the location of the main Japanese Fleet and shooting down a single-engined torpedo plane and a twin float aero-reconnaissance plane. Conducting a coordinated strike against the Japanese Fleet, he shot down an intercepting enemy ZERO in the ensuing battle and, directing his fighter planes in strafing dives on the decks of an enemy carrier, reduced the anti-aircraft opposition for his dive bombers and torpedo planes during their attacks which disabled or sunk the enemy vessel. Retiring with his group through darkness to base after this strenuous and protracted engagement, he effected a forced water landing, when unable to land on his carrier. By his brilliant airmanship, courageous initiative and daring leadership, Commander Kane contributed materially to the success of our operations in these historic actions, and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.