The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner’s Mate Second Class William Reynolds Freeman (NSN: 4111797), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty as member of a demolition party attached to the Fleet Tug U.S.S. CHEROKEE (AT-66), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. On the night of 9 November 1942, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Freeman was a member of a demolition party which was assigned the task of cutting a passage through a navigational obstruction at the mouth of the Sebou River at Mehdia. With great skill and courage this party successfully passed through the treacherous breakers at the entrance and accomplished this task in the face of hostile fire. This was done for the purpose of permitting the U.S.S. DALLAS to navigate up the river to the airport near Port Lyautey to land a group of raiders to take that important objective. The courage and skill displayed by Gunner’s Mate Second Class Freeman, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
Commander Naval Forces Europe: Serial 7562 (September 7, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Chief Gunner’s Mate William Reynolds Freeman (NSN: 4111797), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in combat under intense enemy gunfire while leading Naval Combat Demolition Unit TWO which participated in the assault on the coast of France, 6 June 1944. Chief Gunner’s Mate Freeman was placed in charge of Naval Combat Demolition Unit TWO when the original officer-in-charge was transferred to another group. He and his crew were charged with the task of landing on the beach at H-hour plus three minutes and blowing a fifty yard gap in the enemy placed obstacles on the beach. This mission was accomplished in the face of heavy enemy artillery and small arms fire. In the execution of their mission four men were killed and three wounded out of a total crew of twelve. On numerous occasions Chief Gunner’s Mate Freeman exposed himself to enemy fire while removing wounded personnel to places of safety. His conduct under fire was a constant inspiration to the men in his charge. The exceptional courage and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Chief Gunner’s Mate Freeman were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.