The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) William B. MacCracken, II, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Senior Medical Officer of the landing forces of the SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, against Japanese-held Makin Island, on 17 and 18 August 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, MacCracken personally carried many of the wounded to positions of greater safety, thereby enabling himself to administer early and effective aid, following the first enemy air attack. When his boat overturned, endangering the life of a seriously wounded enlisted man during the first attempt at evacuation, he risked his own life by holding the helpless man’s head above the water and swimming ashore with him. After returning to his ship, Lieutenant MacCracken performed six major operations under most difficult circumstances and, as a result of his skillful and tireless efforts, he succeeded in bringing all of his cases back to base in excellent condition. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant MacCracken saved many lives. His professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service.