The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William L. Wilhoit, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Relief Officer of Naval Scout Boat LCT FIVE HUNDRED FORTY (LCT-540), during landing and support operations on the Normandy Coast of France beginning 6 June 1944. Severely wounded during the first moments of the assault when nine shattering blasts from German 88-mm. cannon crippled his ship, killed his Officer in Charge, killed or wounded six Army personnel and injured seven crewmen, Ensign Wilhoit unhesitatingly assumed command and despite his extreme youth and lack of combat experience maneuvered the now unwieldy craft toward the beach through German-emplaced obstacles and mines. Intrepid in the face of continued punishing gunfire and unwavering under the grueling day and night duty of the ensuing four days, Ensign Wilhoit faithfully carried on his mission and, by his own great valor, inspired his loyal crew to supreme effort in the repeated landing of equipment, supplies and troops vital to assault operations. By his dauntless leadership, resolute fighting spirit and conspicuous gallantry in the fulfillment of an unfamiliar and perilous task, Ensign Wilhoit upheld and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.