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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Thomas Kinsella, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 9 July 1944 to 31 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Opposed by intense hostile air cover and heavy enemy surface escorts, Commander Kinsella executed a series of aggressive and persistent attacks against Japanese shipping, sinking 36,400 tons and damaging an additional 18,400 tons and, in addition, unhesitatingly pursued the enemy despite severe countermeasures and shallow-water hazards. His expert ship-handling, inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Commander Kinsella and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Ray (SS-271)

    Action Date:

    September 23 – December 8, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific, Serial 01672 (February 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander William Thomas Kinsella, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 23 September 1944 to 8 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Skillfully maneuvering his ship in the face of a violent typhoon and severe enemy counter-measures, Commander Kinsella launched an aggressive torpedo attack penetrating hostile escort screens to sink Japanese shipping totaling more than 35,000 tons and to damage more than 14,000 tons. By his leadership and devotion to fulfillment of his hazardous missions, Commander Kinsella upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Ray (SS-271)

    Action Date:

    April 30 – June 16, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 370 (December 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander William Thomas Kinsella, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine, in the Yellow Sea area, from 30 April 1945 to 16 June 1945.