Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 22 (MTB-22)

    Action Date:

    June 1944 – March 1945

    Commander Naval Forces Europe: Serial 12672 (November 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William B. Borsdorff (NSN: 0-140446), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and devotion to duty in the performance of outstanding services s a U.S. PT Division Leader operating with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWENTY-TWO (MTB-22), during offensive operations against the enemy in the Ligurian Sea from June 1944 through March 1945. Lieutenant Borsdorff exhibited extreme skill and daring in conducting numerous combat patrols and aggressive missions against enemy coastal traffic, often in the face of intense gunfire from hostile surface units and shore batteries. On one occasion, he conducted a courageous attack in between two enemy corvettes, damaging and possibly sinking one with two torpedo hits. Under heavy and accurate fire, he returned his division without loss. On another occasion he successfully pressed an attack on an enemy convoy, sinking one F-lighter and damaging another, under heavy enemy gunfire before and after launching torpedoes. By his determined and effective prosecution of these offensive missions, he contributed materially to the reduction of enemy surface strength available to maintain the seaborne supply lines supporting his armies in Northern Italy. The extraordinary ability, fearless leadership under fire, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Borsdorff during this period reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.