The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Robert Kuhn, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against a major force of the enemy Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea near Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Participating in the initial bombing strike, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kuhn braved adverse weather and anti-aircraft fire to press home a determined bombing attack and, by his courage and skill, contributed materially to the damage inflicted on a large enemy destroyer. His outstanding airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.