The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William A. Kuder, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SEVEN (VB-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Sulu Sea in the Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. A pilot of a carrier-based bombing plane, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kuder distinguished himself by sighting an enemy heavy cruiser in the Sulu Sea and, in spite of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack and scored a direct hit which inflicted serious damage. His utter disregard of his own safety, his courage and skill were in keeping with the traditions of the United States Naval Service.