The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign William W. Wileman, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 7 and 8 May 1942, in the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. With accurate understanding of his objective and bold perseverance in attaining it, Ensign Wileman destroyed one Japanese fighter plane and courageously attacked several others. His high devotion to duty in the performance of a dangerous and difficult task contributed materially to the defense of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.