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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William Clayton Raposa, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VT-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 24 July 1945. Participating in a coordinated attack against major units of the Japanese Fleet in their heavily defended anchorage, Ensign Raposa aggressively pressed home his attack on a heavy cruiser and, despite intense anti-aircraft fire from harbor positions and hostile shipping in the area, scored hits to leave the vessel listing and down by the stern. His courage and determination in the completion of his mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Carrier Air Group 101

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1951
    All Hands (December 1953)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant William C. Raposa, United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Carrier Air Group ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 May 1951.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 94 (VT-94)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1945

    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 Ensign William Clayton Raposa, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETY-FOUR (VT-94), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 28 1945. Diving through intense anti-aircraft fire from the many shore installations and from hulks in the harbor, Ensign Raposa pressed home his attack on the heavy cruiser AOBA and scored two direct hits which contributed materially to the final destruction of this vessel. His skilled airmanship and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.