The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] William Anthony Behr (NSN: 0-104827), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIX (VF-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces against a Japanese Naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands area on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and air opposition Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Behr delivered his dive bombing attack with utmost vigor and heroic determination. In so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the provable destruction of a Japanese aircraft carrier. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.