The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John George Williams, 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 EIGHTEEN (VT-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 25 October 1944. Leading a division of planes in a torpedo attack against Japanese surface forces, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Williams pressed home his attack without regard for personal safety and scored a direct hit on a rapidly maneuvering large Japanese carrier. Although his plan was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, he skillfully succeeded in effecting a safe return of his plane and crew to base. His aggressive attack assisted in removing a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His courage and skill were outstanding and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.