The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain William Gosnell Tomlinson (NSN: 0-20435), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), in the Pacific War Area, during the period from 10 February to 19 May 1945. A bold and inspiring leader, Captain Tomlinson directed his ship and attached Air Group in a series of aggressive operations against the enemy in which one hundred and twelve hostile planes were shot down or destroyed, important units of the Japanese Fleet were damaged, and shore installations and enemy shipping were damaged or destroyed. Although the BELLEAU WOOD was subjected to numerous air attacks in force during this period, he skillfully maneuvered to bring all guns to bear and repulse the enemy planes, of which several were shot down by his ship’s anti-aircraft batteries. By his outstanding professional skill, Captain Tomlinson maintained the fighting strength of his ship at a peak of efficiency, and his gallant fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear Admiral [then Captain]Action Date:
January – December 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] William Gosnell Tomlinson (NSN: 0-20435), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, United States Naval Forces, during training operations in the Azores Area, from January to December 1944. Serving with distinction in an assignment of vital importance, Rear Admiral Tomlinson succeeded in developing and expanding our Naval activities in this area; in instituting, maintaining and furthering friendly relations and effective cooperation with representatives of other governments; and in supporting, supervising and conducting aviation units on extensive and effective anti-submarine operations. In addition, he developed an unsuitable site into a vital seaport, thereby expediting the delivering of materials necessary to our Naval aviation offensive against enemy submarines in this area. His outstanding initiative, leadership and professional skill were contributing factors in the maintenance of American prestige in international diplomacy and in the effective prosecution of our anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic Ocean and reflect the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Tomlinson and the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Tomlinson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear Admiral [then Captain]Division:
U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24)Action Date:
July 1 – August 15, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [then Captain] William Gosnell Tomlinson (NSN: 0-20435), United States Navy, 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. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from 1 July to 15 August 1945. Demonstrating inspiring leadership and professional ability during active combat operations against enemy surface forces and the main homeland of the Japanese, Rear Admiral Tomlinson maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high level and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive destruction on hostile forces and installations. His courage and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Tomlinson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)