The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Francis M. Willett, Jr. (NSN: 0-382638), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in an attack on an enemy battleship in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 24 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate heavy and medium anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore batteries, Ensign Willett skillfully and with great determination pressed home his attack against the Japanese battleship and scored a direct bomb hit which contributed materially to the ultimate sinking of that vessel. His courage and determination in carrying out his attack to a successful completion were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.