The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William French Mitchell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Submarine Chaser U.S.S. SC-676 during the amphibious invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943. Despite terrific enemy crossfire, Lieutenant Mitchell skillfully maneuvered his ship to a point within five hundred yards of the hostile shore line in order to conduct various assault waves to their designated beaches and, by effective gunfire, provided excellent support throughout the landing operations. Lieutenant Mitchell’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.