The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Willis Geral Laney (NSN: 0-112414), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR (VF-84), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 April 1945. Leading his division on combat air patrol, Lieutenant Laney engaged two enemy fighter planes and, skillfully pressing home his attack, destroyed both of them. His exceptional airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Willis Geral Laney (NSN: 0-112414), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Dive Bomber, in action against enemy Japanese forces near Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, 16 February 1944. Participating in a daring strike against enemy shipping in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Laney boldly pressed home his dive bombing attack to score a direct hit on a large enemy freighter causing it to explode, break in two and sink within a short time. By his aggressive airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous assignment, Lieutenant Laney contributed directly to the success of this vital mission, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Willis Geral Laney (NSN: 0-112414), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR (VF-84), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Area on 16 February 1945. Flying cover for a bomber formation over 130 miles of vigorously defended enemy territory, Lieutenant Laney made a strafing attack on hostile batteries in the face of anti-aircraft fire, thereby contributing to the success of the attack on an aircraft depot and assembly plant. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Willis Geral Laney (NSN: 0-112414), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the Tokyo area. On 17 February 1945 he escorted another group of bombers over 120 miles of heavily defended enemy territory in a strike against an aircraft engine plant. Over the target he executed a strafing and rocket attack in spite of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and then aided in escorting all bombers clear of the area during which time he severely damaged an enemy fighter that was on the tail of a friendly plane. The latter part of this flight and his landing were made in extremely hazardous weather conditions. His courage, determination, and devotion to duty in defending the formation and in carrying out his attacks were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Willis Geral Laney (NSN: 0-112414), United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.