The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (then Ensign] Wilbur Butcher Webb (NSN: 0-285707), 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. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands, on 19 June 1944. Pressing his low-level attacks over a Japanese airfield and in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and attacks from enemy fighter cover above him, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Webb fought his plane courageously to engaged and shoot down six enemy dive bombers and probably destroy two others. By his brilliant airmanship and devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Webb upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.