The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Aviation Ordnanceman William B. Naylor, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a U.S. Aircraft Carrier in enemy waters on 16 April 1945. Immediately after his vessel was struck by an enemy airplane and bomb, which set the vessel on fire, Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Naylor entered one of the burning compartments and personally removed three unconscious men. Engaging the assistance of others, he re-entered the compartment and removed several other men. When he was certain that the compartment was cleared of all casualties, he organized a fire-fighting party and succeeded in extinguishing the fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.