The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William W. Perry, Jr. (NSN: 0-156538), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in an attack on the enemy battleship NAGATO, at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Courageously and skillfully Lieutenant Perry led his section of three planes in an attack scoring a direct and damaging hit on the ship in spite of intense and accurate fire from the large number of anti-aircraft guns defending the target area. His sill, courage and leadership were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.