The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Clair Taylor Williams (NSN: 0-157508), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action in the vicinity of Hokkaido, Japan, on 14 July 1945. In a strike against extremely important enemy shipping, Lieutenant Williams made four separate attacks. Withholding his bombs until assured of a favorable opportunity for inflicting maximum damage, he remained over the target alone disregarding his own personal safety until he had scored direct hits on two vessels designated as primary targets. His attacks were pressed home at low altitudes despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and inclement weather conditions. His courage, determination, and devotion to duty in the execution of this mission were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.