The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William R. Staggs, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Escort Scouting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VS-29), attached to the U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-9), during the occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942. Upon sighting a hostile submarine on the surface, Lieutenant Staggs, in a quick dive to attack, struck the conning tower of the vessel with armor-piercing bullets from his 50-caliber machine guns and set off a depth charge in immediate proximity to its hull. Shortly thereafter, he led a group of seven scout bombers and three fighters in persistent raids against enemy troop convoys and intense aerial bombardment of the airdrome at Marrakech. Although flying through a continuous hail of anti-aircraft fire, this attacking flight, under Lieutenant Staggs’ brilliant and inspiring leadership, succeeded in destroying twelve aircraft on the ground, demolishing three hangars, and immobilizing approximately twenty units of motor transports. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.