The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Maier (NSN: 0-240678), 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 Torpedo Plane Division in Torpedo Squadron ELEVEN (VT-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 25 October 1944. Courageously leading his division on a hazardous strike against enemy surface vessels in this highly strategic area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maier aggressively pressed home his own powerful, daring attacks despite the difficulties imposed by mechanical defects in his plane and, in the face of intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire, scored a direct bomb hit on a heavy cruiser. By his superb airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit under extremely perilous conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maier contributed materially to the success of a vital mission and his valiant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.