The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign William Charles Maguire, Jr. (NSN: 0-414856), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Leader of a Section of Torpedo Bomber Planes in Torpedo Squadron FIFTY (VT-50), attached to the U.S.S. COWPENS (CVL-25), in action against enemy Japanese Fleet units in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. A daring and intrepid airman, Ensign Maguire gallantly led his nine-plane flight in over the designated area and, selecting a Japanese battleship as his target, promptly maneuvered to launch his powerful glide bombing attack. Defying the enemy’s concentrated anti-aircraft fire, he plunged to perilously low altitude and, releasing his bomb load with devastating speed and skill, scored two direct hits on the stern with his 500-pound bombs. By his brilliant and aggressive leadership, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, Ensign Maguire contributed materially to the infliction of extensive and costly damage on enemy combatant ships and to the success of a decisive engagement in Japanese home waters. His valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.