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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander William Wilson Fitts (NSN: 0-70345), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BRAINE (DD-63), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 January 1945. When an enemy destroyer attempted to attack the disposition of which his ship was a member, Commander Fitts boldly closed the hostile vessel and directed his gun batteries in delivering accurate fire which contributed to its destruction. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Braine (DD-63)

    Action Date:

    1942
    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 20 (November 13, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Wilson Fitts (NSN: 0-70345), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Executive Officer of a United States Naval warship, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Aleutian Islands Campaign in the Territory of Alaska, in 1942. Displaying remarkable coolness and efficiency, Lieutenant Commander Fitts directed the fire of guns under his control which destroyed an enemy Japanese bomber. Due to his excellent leadership and fine example, the crew tending patrol planes was spurred to maximum efforts. Lieutenant Commander Fitts’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Braine (DD-63)

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific Fleet: Serial 03878 (November 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Wilson Fitts (NSN: 0-70345), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BRAINE (DD-63), in action against enemy Japanese forces off the coast of Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands, on 27 May 1945. Although painfully wounded when his ship was struck and severely damaged by two hostile suicide planes, Commander Fitts boldly initiated effective fire-fighting measures and directed the establishment of first aid stations for the wounded. Despite heavy and accurate enemy fire and the danger of exploding ammunition, he contributed greatly toward saving his vessel from destruction. By his courage, leadership and devotion to duty, Commander Fitts upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.