The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign William Junior Anderson (NSN: 0-299546), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Plane in a glide bombing torpedo attack on a powerful enemy surface force when serving with Composite Squadron TWENTY (VC-20), aboard U.S.S. KADASHAN BAY (CVE-76), in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. Ensign Anderson skillfully and bravely delivered his attack through an intense and highly concentrated anti-aircraft barrage thrown up the by the closely grouped enemy formation. With utter disregard for close bursts which frequently rocked his plane violently, he followed each desperate maneuver of a heavy cruiser, keeping it in his sights and pressing home his attack to place his bombs damagingly close. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.