The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William M. Walker (NSN: 0-120037), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Officer-in-Charge of a Sabotage party from the submarine U.S.S. BARB (SS-220), during a sabotage mission on 23 July 1945, during the TWELFTH War Patrol of that vessel off the Coast of Japan. With great skill, daring and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Walker landed a party of commandos in rubber boats on the coast of enemy-held territory and, despite the proximity of an enemy lookout tower and despite the many other dangers involved, successfully planted a demolition charge which resulted in the complete destruction of a combination passenger and freight train. After completion of this unprecedented mission he led his party safely back to his ship. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.