The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William N. P. Homer, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of the Fire and Rescue Party from the Seaplane Tender U.S.S. BISCAYNE (AVP-11), during action against enemy forces while participating in the amphibious assault on Sicily, 10 to 12 July 1943. Although flames spread rapidly on the bombed U.S.S. LST 158, igniting her deck cargo and causing continuous gasoline and ammunition explosions, Ensign Homer courageously boarded the blazing vessel during a severe hostile aircraft attack and remained despite imminent personal danger from fire and suffocation until he succeeded in removing a seriously wounded Army officer to safety. Through his unswerving devotion to duty and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice, he undoubtedly saved the life of a man who otherwise might have perished. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.