The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William Augustus Read, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving on a Navy PBY4Y Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED ONE (VPB-101), in action against enemy Japanese forces during an armed reconnaissance mission over Puerta Princessa and the surrounding areas in the Philippine Islands on 19 October 1944. In spite of the fact that his orders did not involve flying, Lieutenant Read went, at his own request, on a particularly hazardous and unescorted combat patrol deep into enemy territory. As bow gunner of a Navy Liberator that made two daring attacks on the strongly fortified enemy airbase at Puerta Princessa, he was largely responsible for the severe damage and loss to the enemy of planes and shipping. His own plane was so damaged by anti-aircraft fire that it finally crash-landed in the water, injuring four of the crew members. Later, an enemy plane crashed into the group of survivors, killing one member and injuring Lieutenant Read. One Japanese was thrown clear of the wrecked plane, and armed with knives, he advanced upon the group, obviously intent on killing them. Despite his injury, Lieutenant Read armed himself with coconuts and frightened the enemy away, thus saving the lives of the entire group. The conduct of Lieutenant Read throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.