The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William Leo Reardon, Jr. (NSN: 0-320738), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron FOURTEEN (VB-14), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in action against the enemy Fleet on 26 October 1944, while deployed over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. Assigned one of Japan’s largest battleships as target, Ensign Reardon pressed a cool and deliberate attack to a low altitude and scored a direct hit amidships. His attack was carried out in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the target ship and all other enemy ships in the disposition. During the dive, his plane was damaged by enemy shrapnel and it was only by a display of skillful airmanship that the return flight to friendly dispositions could be made in safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.