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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Stone Woollen (NSN: 0-81567), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FORTY-TWO (VF-42), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese forces on 8 May 1942, during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea. As leader of a two-plane section providing fighter escort for our attacking torpedo planes, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Woollen skillfully and with great determination attacked and shot down two enemy fighters which were attacking his own plane. His leadership, skill and complete disregard for his own safety enabled our torpedo planes to deliver their attack and return safely to their carrier. He contributed greatly to the success of our attack which resulted in probably sinking of the enemy carrier. The outstanding courage and determined skill displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Woollen were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron

    Action Date:

    May 4, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 350 (May 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander William Stone Woollen (NSN: 0-81567), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron over the Ryukyus on 4 May 1945.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [the Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942

    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 Lieutenant [the Lieutenant, Junior Grade] William Stone Woollen (NSN: 0-81567), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Woollen, while flying combat air patrol over our surface ships as Section Leader, led the initial attack upon an eighteen-plane formation of Japanese dive bombers and fighters. Being unaware of the fact that other friendly planes had also sighted the enemy, he courageously attacked the formation from a head-on position and, in this single attack, personally shot down an enemy dive-bomber. By this courageous action, confusion in the enemy formations was caused to develop so that their attack formation was broken up. He returned to again attack the enemy, who were now being engaged by other friendly planes, and succeeded in damaging another enemy dive bomber, with the ultimate result unknown. Thereafter during the same action with the enemy, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Woollen, in a courageous attack upon a two-section formation of five enemy planes, succeeded in personally destroying one enemy torpedo plane before he was himself shot down into the sea. His outstanding bravery, skill and courage in attacking superior enemy forces, with utter disregard for personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.