The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain’s Mate First Class William Sloan Fleming, United States Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. CALIFORNIA (BB-44), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Although injured, Boatswain’s Mate First Class Fleming kept at his post as Gun Captain, directing his crew in such a cool and outstanding manner that it inspired confidence in the men about him. The conduct of Boatswain’s Mate First Class Fleming throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.